Have Your Standards Slipped?

Don't slip © blue sky via freeimages.com

I saw something tonight that inspired me to write. I saw someone who had let their standards down. They speak one thing out of their mouths, but their actions tell a different tale. Once this person got what they wanted, their standards have slipped. They are more lax about things than they used to be because it doesn't matter now. I don't have to be moral. I can let this slide. I can change my image just a little. I fit in now. 

They didn't say these things out loud, but the message is very clear. Some may not even notice a change, but I did. It left me heartbroken. I am sad because there are fewer and fewer people who live by any kind of standard. How long are we going to be comfortable with the way things are? How long are we going to be comfortable with how we are? When are we going to start raising the bar?

The first step is admitting that we have gotten slack in some areas. Someone told me, "The worst kind of deception is self-deception." I agree. My heart hurts because it's obvious this person doesn't realize they have let their standards slip. 

After this Sunday's message at my church, I have been evaluating my own life, asking for God to help me see the areas that I have quit doing what I know to do. I want to know the areas that I've allowed to grow dim. We are to be a light in the darkness, and we can't do that if we don't raise the bar in our lives. 

A Time of Transition

I woke up this morning and I felt like a rubber band being pulled in every direction. My stomach muscles ached. I've been having some muscle spasms. In general, I've been in a very uncomfortable place.

This morning, the words of my former physical therapist rolled over in my mind. "I believe in Madison."

Sometimes, you just have to know that people believe in you. When the storms of life are raging and your strength is zapped, just keep doing what you know to do.

When I am frustrated and irritable, my mom's words provide the anchor I need to stay steady. "Just keep doing what you need to do, Madison," she says. "Every day that you get up, sit up, and move around, you are doing something. You are exercising those muscles even if doesn't seem like much."

Boy, do those thoughts try to bombard my mind. It doesn't seem like much. Some days are a struggle. Other days fly by.

Instead of dwelling on where I am, I choose to press forward. I choose to keep doing those small things that I am able to do because I know that one day things are going to be different.

One day, I am going to be able to walk again, completely unassisted.

One day, I am going to be rid of the wheelchair FOREVER!

I don't know when that day is, but I know that God is faithful to His Word. During this time of transition, I will do those things I know to do. I will lay on a moist heat pack when necessary. I will rest and the world will not end. 

During this time of transition, I am getting stronger.

During this time of transition, I am learning about myself.

During this time of transition, my pain will propel me forward!

If you are like me and in an intense time of transition - not where you were a few months ago, but not quite where you want to be - keep forging ahead! Don't fight against those things that are designed to help you. 

I'll leave you with this definition of stretch: "of something soft or elastic) be made or be capable of being made longer or wider without tearing or breaking."


You are capable of being extended past your comfort zone and you WON'T tear or break!