PISD INSPIRE SY2021-2022 (PARENTS & STUDENTS)
The big brother relaxes into the couch, one arm around his little sister, and one arm holding the bowl of popcorn. “You don’t seem as stressed today.” His little sister comments casually as the movie starts. He shrugs. “I told the guys that if they didn’t like the way I make the videos, then they should tell me what I should improve on, or find someone else.” He pauses. “They told me they would find someone else. It hurt, at first. But then I realized that making videos that they didn’t like was eating up my time. I mean, when was the last time that I had movie night with you?” His little sister laughs a little. “It’s been months.” He nods. “And that’s why. I want to spend time with our family before I grow up even more. Time is flying, especially for you, miss ballerina.” Seeing his little sister smile proudly at him warms his heart. He wouldn’t miss this for the world.
Parents. How often do you say ‘yes’ to things that take up your time, drain your energy, and worry your mind when they’re actually not really needed? Sometimes we allow ourselves to get into battles we’re not meant to fight, draining ourselves of the energy needed for the battles meant for us. Other times, as Jonathan McReynolds once said, “what overwhelms us is what we asked God for.”
To maintain the bills of the house and car, to maintain the excellence of the promotion at your job, or to keep up with the pressure of the blessings that have turned to somehow burdens, it is easy to forget purpose and pacing.
Students. Do you entertain unnecessary things? Trying to maintain standards and expectations that push you beyond your limits or hide your ‘real self’?
The world is advertising ‘hustle culture’. Do this to get there. To be like them, you have to be like this, now. Some people know their purpose in life, others are figuring out day by day. But one thing in common with both is that without proper pacing, one may miss out on purpose.
In a race, wouldn’t you think the runners would look silly if they all ran at the same pace? Who would win? And where would the excitement be? All their training to be the fastest would be meaningless if they decided to just match every other racer’s pace. In life, we shouldn’t try to match other’s pacing. If they’re on their chapter thirty-two, and you’re on your chapter seventeen, it’s okay. Learn from others, be inspired by others, but don’t copy others to paste what they have and do into your own life. You are you, and God has much in store for you. There are things only you can do in this world, and people only you can impact.
It’s time to step into your purpose by pacing yourself with God’s presence. He has His Word, our life manual and guide, to help us get through this life with purpose. It’s now up to you to make time for Him, and make room for Him to lead. He loves you. But you have to choose to pace yourself in His love, and find purpose in that. This is how you thrive.
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flour- ish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:12-13 (ESV)
Blessings!
PRECIOUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DAVAO