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The Tug

Around this time every year, I start thinking and reflecting on my experiences as a teacher and consider adjustments I would like to make for the following year. This was a practice I learned from one of my best college professors while I was finishing my degree. I believe no matter how “good” we are, there is always something we can improve upon.

The same is true of me as a believer. Have I stopped lately to reflect on my performance as a Christian? Have I considered how my words and actions have affected others? What can I do better?

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. (Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Ever played tug of war? At our school, this is the definitive mark of the champions of field day in K-4th grades. My boys prepped for tug of war by wear gloves and cleats. They even practiced at home. I, on the other hand, do not love this game. Perhaps now that I am older and feel mentally and emotionally pulled in every direction, it’s not as fun.


The fact is, when I treat life as a tug of war it’s all wrong. I have to reflect and adjust my grip because I’m not the one who needs to be pulling. Adjusting my grip means handing the rope over to the One who can pull in the right direction. And then I have to lean into where He tugs.

So today, as I reflect and plan my next week, month, and year, I’m going to give the rope some slack. I’m going to quit forcing outcomes that are out of my control. It’s time to stop the tug of war.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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