Just Keep Pluggin' Along

When I started my wallpaper eradication project, I thought that I would be stripping wallpaper for four or five months. I am now beginning month seven and the master bedroom is finally finished!

Sometimes I feel like quitting ... but just two bedrooms and one bath remain, so I can’t stop now. Instead I’ve incorporated this work into my daily routine. I might as well keep pluggin’ along until I’ve finished every room before I box my steamer up and store my paint supplies away.

It’s amazing how much we can accomplish if we just keep pluggin’ along. Races can be won (think of the tortoise and the hare), debt can be settled, money can be saved, weight can be lost, old destructive habits can be broken, new healthy habits can be formed, relationships can be restored, degrees can be earned, new skills can be learned, projects can be finished. Just by pluggin’ along.

But first you have to get started.

When I began this project, I had to make some changes. I knew that I needed to keep walking for exercise, so I switched from daily walks at Joseph Whidbey State Park to daily walks to Whidbey Island Manor to check on Mom. I turned my computer off and told friends and family to either email me at work or call me at home if they needed to get in touch. (I’ve become quite adept at painting with one hand while talking on the phone!) I haven’t read a book since I started this project, nor do I read our magazines from cover to cover these days … but I do read the daily paper to keep up on the news since I no longer watch it on TV.

A real bonus has been that Pat has taken over the yard work. Mowing and trimming used to be almost entirely my domain--and that was fine with me. I much prefer working outside, but having mowing off my “to do” list freed up a couple of more hours each week.

And that was all it really took … a few changes combined with enough motivation to get started. After that it was just a matter of pluggin’ along … sticking to the plan … finding ways to stay motivated … day after day … week after week.

Some of you know exactly what I am talking about. There are plenty of folks who have chosen to get started on their own “home (read: self) improvement” projects. And some of you are growing weary in your new routines. This message is for you. Don’t give up!! Look back and think about how far you have come. Imagine where you could be in a couple of more months.

Many of you have already accomplished much and are an inspiration to others, so pay it forward. Find someone to encourage on their journey. Take the time to celebrate your own success and to cheer others in theirs … and then just keep pluggin’ along.

Pastor Kit