taking the next step

 taking the next step is simply that:

putting one foot in front of the other,

one more time, 

trusting that as you do so,

you will get closer to your destination

when the sun is shining 

and the temperature is perfect (like yesterday was here)

not too hot, 

not too cold,

it is easy for me to walk outside and enjoy it

but when the cloud cover makes the sky gray

or rain is falling

or snow is swirling

and the temperature is less than ideal (like it was here today)

too hot

or too cold

it is more of a challenge

but it IS still doable

33 degrees, you don't scare me
not today anyway,
I am properly clothed to face you

I have found that life is much the same way

when troubles are non existent

or so small they are more nuisance than hindrance

continuing to do the next thing is not a big deal

I just keep trucking along

but when things are hard

physically

mentally

emotionally

it takes more determination

more focus

more gutting it out

to do the next thing

and if there is a mountain staring me down

it can feel impossible

this is what I have learned to do

when I am in a place where trouble looms large,

obstacles block my view

and darkness keeps me from clearly seeing what lies ahead...

I have discovered that if I don't look at "all that needs done"

if I don't get distracted by how impossible the situation ahead seems,

and rather simply take the next step,

not being intimidated by the daunting size of what I face,

that positive progress is made and encouragement is felt

because even a small step draws me closer to accomplishing the goal

and that IS the purpose of walking

and honestly,

one step at a time is all any of us can take

"I waited patiently for the Lord;

    He inclined to me and heard my cry.

2 

He drew me up from the pit of destruction,

    out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock,

    making my steps secure.

3 

He put a new song in my mouth,

    a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear,

    and put their trust in the Lord."

Psalm 40