It's true but not always easy, especially when we see the journey as impossible, before we ever take the first step.
This is also true with on our road to mental and emotional healing. In a journey to healing transformation takes place one step at a time and it takes courage to take the first step.
From the time our daughter was first learning to read, she struggled. What seemed simple to other children brought tears for her.
As she grew the reading assignment grew, bringing more frustrations to our little girl. She dreaded reading comprehension quizzes and spelling tests.
Considering that I was her teacher from preschool through third grade, I often wondered if it was me who had failed her in some way.
She entered a school classroom in the fourth grade and the anxiety grew as she struggled with change and challenges in these new surroundings. Finally, in sixth grade, the realization of a reading problem came to light for me and her father.
It took several weeks and a number of visits to different offices to get us to the "right" person. The one who could diagnose and help her improve her reading skills as well as gain confidence in her reading and in herself.
We would have never found help for our daughter if we had not first, recognized that there was a problem. Second, if we had not sought out help. We knew we could not do this on our own. Third, be willing to listen to and follow the instructions set forth by those offering the help.
Yes, this story seems simplistic when compared to issues in life. Crisis, abandonment, emotional breakdown, mental overload can bring us to the point of giving up on ourselves, those around us, and even on life itself. The analogy to draw from the story above is the same process we can use during tough times in our lives.
The first step in resolving a problem in the journey called life is to recognize that is a problem.We often recognize symptom (uncontrollable crying, fatigue, irrational fears, frustration, anger) but we seem to miss the root cause of the symptoms.
Secondly, is to seek help. This can come in a number of different forms from reading articles and books, to professional assistance. At times, a listening ear and words of encouragement from someone who cares about us is what we need to to take that first step in healing.
I love the word encouragement, to me it is beautiful. It means, " to inspire with hope, courage, or confidence: to give support to". Simply put, "to put courage into". When I am down and depressed a word of encouragement can go a long way.
So, here's the hard one. Number three, be willing to listen to and follow the instruction/encouragement set forth by those offering it. This third part of our first step is the most difficult BUT the most needed one if we are to begin our journey to healing, to be transformed in heart and mind.
Believe me when I say that this third part is one I struggle with the most. Once I recognize the problem and receive encouragement (help), it is the "doing" that often trips me up.
When I face circumstances that are tough, I love to go to the Holy Bible for encouragement and to be strengthened in the journey. One of my favorite passages is Hebrews 13:5 (second half; NASB) where my God promises to never desert or forsake me.
So, if in the journey to healing, transformation takes place one step at a time, let's take courage in taking that first step by remembering to identify the problem, seeking help, and by being willing to listen to and follow the instructions given.
If you are reading this and find yourself already many steps ahead in this journey, consider being the encouragement someone else needs to take that first step.
Study to Learn:
In our journey, we will encounter many resources to help us. One I lean on the most is the Bible, God's holy Word. Here are some scripture passages that may encourage you today.
Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 55:22; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 26:3
The book of Psalms is a great place to find encouragement. Try these chapters.
Psalms 3; 9; 23; 27; 30; 46; 56; 61; 86; 103; 116; 136; 139; 143
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