Don’t Quit

Picture this: Being hundreds of miles into a long trek, walking down a dirt path. You’re tired. So you stop and take a breath.

You look behind you, to the path where you’ve come from. Your heart sinks, realizing you’re way too far along to turn back.

You look ahead and are instantly filled with doubt, even dread. You think, “How much longer do I have to go?”

Turning around, and heading back is not an option — you’ve made it so incredibly far.

Yet, it’s unclear where the path ahead is going or how much longer it will take. You have no idea what lies ahead.

You feel stuck. In the middle of what was and what is to come. At this point, if you’re being honest, neither direction seems great. What you really want to do is just quit. Just throw your hands up and yell Please, someone, take me out of this!

If you can relate to this or see yourself in the middle of this image — I am with you. This is how I feel too. So much so that last week I made a friendship bracelet for myself that said: Don’t Quit.

It’s really hard when you’re in the middle of something. When the joys of newness, fresh starts, and hopeful beginnings have worn off. When you’re smack dab in the messy middle. When you find yourself doubting if you have what it takes to make it to the end, or if you’re being honest, to even make it another day.

But, my friend, you cannot turn back. You cannot quit. That’s not an option. Not for me — not for you.

It’s hard, you’re tired and unsure. But this is exactly what you were made for. You were made to do hard things. To endure and embrace long journeys. To run the race set before you.

So, today may you get back on that path and focus on just taking the next step. Then simply walk, one brave step after another. That’s all you can do. Know that I’m here with you, walking beside you too.