The title of this post was one of my baseball coaches famous sayings. Hardly ever mentioned during a game, he would blurt it out when our middle infield made an error while attempting to turn a double play; or during clean up after practice. The saying was so brilliantly simple I'm surprised I didn't hear it before I turned 15. What slicker way is there to express accomplishing a task quickly without moving too fast so things don't turn reckless? Then again, the saying is diametrically opposed to our microwave culture; and really threatens our "bottom-line" existence.
My real hip-hop heads (not the ones who consider real as being well versed in East Coast 80s and 90s rap) remember when Warren G said "I want it all, brand new socks and draws." This statement polarized Generation X and Y; and in turn has led to an unnoticed crisis I will refer to as de-gratification. Unlike most suffocating trends that have [allegedly] originated from some of the less respected members of society (i.e. the low class African-American), this ideal was created from the assumed cream of the crop. It's the go-getters, the goal-driven, who have rejected the enjoy-the-trip attitude and replaced it with the at-the-end-of-the-day banner. And who can argue with reaching a goal; and reaching it faster if possible? The problem is that often times key steps are skipped and vital information gets neglected. And even worse, people tend to lose an appreciation of the accomplishment because it came a little too speedy.
I believe, however, that there is something awesome about understanding and accepting delayed gratification. Some skills are only acquired when taking the [usually tougher and longer] road less traveled as opposed to taking the fast track. This is not to imply that one should plan to encounter all of the hurdles when attempting to reach a desired finish. But particularly for a Christian driving towards a goal while representing Jesus, these obstacles should be welcomed. Jesus' brother James tells us in his writing that we should "consider it pure joy" when problems arise. Because these problems actually give birth to the maturity that's needed to see a task into fruition. (James 1:2-3).
Side note: Not included are the problems we invoke when we actively participate in sin. The problems referred to here are results of a living a transparent life for Jesus Christ.
Therefore, the question is are we so intent on getting to the finish line that we don't allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into all understanding during the process (John 16:13)? If so, perhaps we should allow the Lord to take control while we persist. Trust Him to enhance your productivity even during the period of assumed staleness. Because there isn't just a reward at the end, but also during the journey.
Peace
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