The Daily CHEW™
Chew on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
Last Saturday afternoon, my wife and I took one of our midday drives through Stone Mountain. She was animated, filled with stories and insights from her work on Anti-German sentiment during World War I in Australia and New Zealand—her dissertation has her so engaged, and I love seeing that spark in her. I listened attentively, grateful for the moment, but also keenly aware of how much was still waiting for me on my to-do list. As someone with Achiever in my top five CliftonStrengths, making an impact, conquering the day, and pushing for progress all fuel me. I know I am enough in Christ, but the drive to achieve and leave a mark feels natural, even energizing.
At the same time, there are days I feel like unless I can conquer my list, I might end up drowning under the weight of unfinished business. Sometimes that means not sleeping enough, trading rest for the satisfaction that comes with keeping up or getting ahead. I truly love those moments of victory—like when I trained to be a professional tennis player and unleashed a powerful winner across the court. In those moments, I feel a deep, satisfying “Yes!” inside, celebrating the progress and success.
Dominican culture is known for celebrating, and yet I’ve noticed that in my driven rhythm, I rarely give myself permission to celebrate my own growth. I do recognize it, but the next achievement always calls, and often, I move on before gratitude has a chance to grow. Self-help pushes me to keep going, never slowing to remember how God’s faithfulness shows up in real life—not just in big wins, but in steady, quiet change.
So today, I’m choosing to notice—not just rush past—the progress. When I Confess to God that my default is to keep moving, striving for the next impact instead of taking time to pause and celebrate what He’s doing, I open space in my heart to encounter grace. I name the struggle honestly: Achiever enjoys the win, but God invites me not just to recognize growth, but to savor it.
That’s when I Hear the Gospel’s reminder: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3). God’s faithfulness is steady—present in victories and in the gradual movement of growth, reminding me that celebration is part of His gift.
Now I lean into the Exchange: I trade the relentless urge to hustle for the invitation to remember, savor, and celebrate progress—no matter the size. Whether it’s embracing the joy of my wife’s success, noticing my patience with my kids, or feeling the satisfaction of a day well-lived, these moments become altars and anchors of God’s love.
For my Walk today, I pause to jot down three ways I’ve seen God’s faithful love move me forward over the last month. Then I share one with my wife on our next drive, letting gratitude and celebration take root in our conversation. That simple act resets my heart, making space for joy and hope.
This is my head-to-heart turning point: Noticing the progress is not self-congratulation, but learning to celebrate God’s steady love in my story. I just need to bring my journey to God with honesty, letting gratitude become a rhythm—anchored in community, not just accomplishment. Progress may feel small or swift, but with God’s love, every step is worth celebrating.
CHEW On This™
If I really believed God’s love is abundant and unwavering like a river that never runs dry, how would that change my urge to rush past progress, and invite me to celebrate God’s faithfulness in my growth, impact, and daily journey?
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