Everyday we’re faced with a blank page – a new day to write and make things happen. And certainly, it’s good to keep this forward-looking approach to our life and relationships. But it’s also good to occasionally pause and acknowledge what we’ve already accomplished.
Of course, we don’t want to get stuck looking back, even when it’s good. To live well is to stay engaged in the present and focused on who we are becoming. And our past accomplishments don’t negate our responsibilities for today. We must still show up and do what needs to be done regardless of how much we did yesterday.
At the same time, it’s helpful to acknowledge the miles we’ve covered. It’s harder to resist despair when it feels like we’re in a never-ending rat race – just seeing the next thing that needs to be done.
Acknowledging our accomplishments is simply affirming the good we’ve already done and celebrating the impact we’ve made.
For instance, this is what we do when we celebrate our wedding anniversary. We take a moment to remember the years and honor all we’ve been through together. And while we still must show up and practice love today, it’s helpful to at least acknowledge what we’ve accomplished as well.
And in big and small ways this is true throughout the rest of our life and relationships.
For example, this might be appreciating a completed project at work, navigating a tough situation with our kids, or simply finishing various chores around the house.
Whatever it looks like, it’s good to affirm and bless the work we’ve done, just like God did in affirming the goodness of his creation.
Keep pressing ahead and tackling all that needs to be done today. And take a moment to acknowledge your past accomplishments as well. This provides the needed encouragement to keep showing up.
Photo by Ambreen Hasan on Unsplash
