I’m so guilty of saying things like “I’ll do that tomorrow” or “maybe later” or “I’ll get around to it.”
These statements have often plagued me, but, as of late I have changed course and have begun fighting to keep my priorities straight. It wasn’t esay to begin and continue such a process either.
Probably becuase with anything you desire to do for success “some assembly is required.”
You ever buy a piece of furniture from the store, a small or large toy or some kind of equipment, and begin dreading the process of putting all of those pieces together?! You then see that label at the bottom that’s in the smallest print possible on the box that says “some assembly required.” You then shake your head in disgust, wondering why on earth did you buy this…this…this unfinished piece of work!
Projects that require assembly test my patience…greatly!
But recently, I realized something! “Some assembly required” is for more than just furniture, toys and electronics. “Some assembly” is also “required” for anything worth having and keeping.
Some assembly is still required in a job. Some assembly is required in relationships. Some assembly is required in developing and figuring out ones vocation…ones calling. This is where I know I struggle.
I wake up every morning, get cleaned up, dressed up and prepare for work, and as I prepare to march out of the door, I see my computer, my cartoons, my Bibles and books and my journals, and I sometimes feel that moment of sadness, frustration and even depression. Its many pieces, and I know that its “some assembly required.” I look at my college courses I’m taking to earn my Master’s. I’m looking at my job and where I hope to be in the future. I see where I am and the hope of where I could be. It all seems like so much sometimes…so many pieces. I wonder how long its going to take to put all of the pieces together.
Should I just pack all of my hopes and dreams in the box that it all seem to come from and just ask for a refund. NO! NEVER!
Bishop T.D. Jakes said something a while back in one of his sermons that really resonated with me a while back. To paraphrase, he made the point that God never made a chair, but he made a tree and he made wood. He also made steel. He also made all of these raw pieces of material that man took to innovate and come up with buildings, bridges and more.
So often we are waiting on God…what if He’s waiting on you. What if instead of worrying about being as good as the creators of “Phineas and Ferb” or “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” you were called to write a book or start a cartoon series that would take its place once those shows have run its course.
Someone is waiting for you to complete those pieces. Someone is waiting for you to add a piece that you have that they need!
The point is this…some assembly is required not so they can confuse you…not so they can haunt you…but to help you! Some assembly is required for two reasons:
1. To teach you patience as you continue to strive!
2. So you won’t stop pursuing what is your vocation and calling!
3. So you and others can better appreciate the finished project once its all said and done!
Even you…you’re still a work in progress. What if people just toally gave up on you and decided to ask for a refund!? You came into existence needing some assembly required. Your whole life is “some assembly required.” The good news is, in patience and with hope and a focused, positive mindset, the putting together of the pieces can be as much fun as anticipating the epic finish!
