Building With The End In Mind

Big Beginnings

Have you ever started something and then you didn’t finish it well? I recently cleaned out a big storage box in my garage. There, in a shoebox, I found the embroidery project I had started years ago.

I remember wanting to embroider my pillow cases with custom designs. It seemed so easy and fun. I had seen gorgeous samples and I thought it was a good idea. So I purchased the supplies, got the instructions, and started.

It was a big beginning, but as the work continued and obstacles started to appear, my progress got slower and slower. The thread was knotted. The design was not right. The needles hurt by fingers. Eventually, I just give up and put that whole embroidery project into a shoebox and stuck in on the shelf.

Building a Strong Foundation

That’s exactly what Jesus is teaching us with the parable in Luke 14:28-30 (The Message): “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’”

On the surface Jesus is talking about building a house, but he is really talking about building a life. People start things all the time, but often they didn’t have a vision, or understand the cost to complete the vision. When you don’t have solid plans, you end up with a structure, a life, that doesn’t match your vision. You might have some reluctance about rethinking your life … I already raised my family, I don’t have children, I’m comfortable where I am. All of these thoughts are stumbling blocks to your future!

You are building your life, day by day, on each choice you make. I know that is an overwhelming thought, but let me tell you something, It Doesn’t Have To Be! You just need to make sure your thoughts and decisions are focused on where you want to go! My Dad used to say, “You don’t have a problem, only a decision.” That is true of every decision we face.

New Beginnings

Today is your new beginning. Today you are taking control of your life, your home, and your leadership. I know you can live the life you’ve always dreamed about!