Today I decided to second guess myself. Ever do that? Yeah I thought so. It is not always a fun feeling is it? Well I was doing that for most of the morning and then I thought beating myself up would be fun too. Why? Today is the start of The Bible in 90 Days Challenge.
Today all over facebook and several blogs I read, folks are starting their first day of this challenge. If you are a regular reader here you know that this is a challenge I signed up for twice and failed to finish. Several of my bloggy friends have accomplished this goal and have signed up to me mentors this time around. I really admire them!
As I was reading all my favorite blogs this morning and seeing many who were starting this challenge either for the first time, second time or mentoring, I immediately felt guilty for not accomplishing my own goal. Really. I was really bothered by it! I’m a failure! I cannot even read through my Bible and accomplish this goal! Why? I’m an avid reader, I’m a Christian, I want to immerse myself in God’s word. So why can’t I do this. I almost went and signed up…again. After all everyone else is taking on this challenge! I need to also take it on right? RIGHT? But I had that nagging doubt that I just could not finish this challenge and it would be yet another failure. After all third times a charm, right?
Before I clicked the submit button I took a deep breath…..and then I heard God whisper that it was ok to not accept this challenge. Really. I do not have to complete this. God has other plans for me as far as my Bible reading goes. I’ll be honest and say I have never read through the entire Bible in my 48 years on this earth! Not once. But…..I am reading. Every day. Before I turn on my computer. Sometimes one chapter, sometimes three chapters, sometimes more, sometimes less. I remind myself the important thing is I am reading. At my own pace. Slowly. To absorb what God has to say to me. One of my goals for 2011 is to read through the Bible this year. That was a goal I set for myself. I gave myself an entire year. Not three months. Not six months. ONE YEAR. 365 days.
When I sat down to write my goals post I wanted to make them realistic. Goals that I had a chance of reaching, not setting myself up for failure. If I had signed up for this challenge I would for sure be setting myself up for failure. Then I would beat myself up for not accomplishing my goal and just give up all together. Can you tell I’ve been down this road before? With many other goals I have set up to realize they would fail.
I am making many changes in my life this year and I need to take small baby-like steps to achieve these goals. Taking on a huge goal such as this just is not in my plan. I just needed to realize this! It is ok to not do what everyone else is doing. It really is.
Now before you think I am bashing The Bible in 90 days reading challenge. I am not. I want to do this challenge enough that I signed up for it twice. I just have come to realize that it is ok to set goals that I can achieve and accept my limitations. I urge you to go and sign up if this is a challenge you really want to participate in! I truly think it is a worthy challenge!
I wanted to talk about this because I know that there must be others that feel the way I do. I want you to know that it is ok! Set your goals and make them realistic! No matter what your goal is. Whether it be reading the Bible in 90 days,sticking to an exercise routine every day or decluttering your house! Make your goals realistic and attainable. It’s ok to be different and not get caught up with keeping up with everyone else. After all why are you making these goals in the first place? To change and improve yourself? Or to be like everyone else? My motto is keep it simple, make it attainable!
Will I ever sign up for the challenge again? Maybe. Maybe not. If I do it will be after I have read through the Bible at my own pace. If I don’t that is ok too!
6 comments:
Good for you! Reading through more slowly is a wonderful plan too. There is a lot to be said for being on your OWN schedule.
Never feel guilty for trying something just because you failed. I'm a bit Yoda fan..."You only fail when you fail to try."
I did sign up for the challenge, but this is my first time. It was on my list of things I wanted to do during my "50" year, so this seemed the perfect time. We shall see if I succeed. I have tried to read the Bible in a year and never succeeded. I have read the entire Bible, but not all the way through.
I think you are wise to choice what will work best for you.
Thanks ladies!
Debbie maybe that is what I'll do when I'm 50 in a little less than 2 years! We'll see! I wish you much success! Will you be posting updates on your blog?
I'm glad you are doing it at your own pace. We are not all the same and need different things to get us to where we are.
I signed up for the challenge because I need the motivation that goes with a challenge like this. And the accountability! I tried reading the Bible in a year and got through 2 days doing it by myself!
Do you read Mom's Toolbox? You can still use her posts for encouragement when she does them! Even if you aren't reading the exact same thing as me, it's encouraging to know that you are reading along with us! :)
Thanks for the encouragement Diana! I have not been back to Mom's toolbox since I tried the challenge the last time. I think I will go and read her posts! Thanks for the idea. Funny thing is in the last week I have upped my Bible reading time. (before I realized there was another Bible in 90 days challenge)
I am pleased where I am so far and decided that I would see just how far I am at the end of the current Bible in 90 days challenge!
Michele, I'm going to try and post about it...at least once in a while.
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