We Are All Works In Progress

“We are all works in progress.”

Six simple words. But what a lot of truth in those words.

I was talking about something in my life. I was probably talking about how I have such a long way to go.

And then a sweet friend looked at me, looked right into my eyes and said simply, “We are all works in progress.”

And I smiled.

I’m still smiling.

Because what he said was so profound. And so true. And so freeing.

We all need to hear that. We all need to be reminded of that. We all need to know that we know that. Really know it. Deep inside.

Why are we so hard on ourselves after all? Why do we expect too much of someone else?

We are all, after all, works in progress.

I like that. A lot.

It doesn’t imply we’re not trying. It doesn’t mean we’re standing still not doing anything.

It simply means we need to give ourselves a break.

It means we need to acknowledge God is working on us and in us. And even when it doesn’t feel like it, we are making progress if we’re allowing Him to work on us.

And whether we realize it or not, God is probably working through us more than we realize. Because when imperfect people step up and honor God by being real with themselves and the people around them, hearts can be touched and lives can be changed.

We are all works in progress.

It simply means we need to extend grace to the people around us…and to ourselves.

Grace. Understanding. Kindness.

Kindness and tenderness. What every heart needs.

Really, it all comes down to love. Real love. Unconditional love. Sweet love.

Think about how you feel when you know that someone loves you. Really loves you. No matter what.

Not the kind of imitation love that tries too hard to change you. I mean the kind of real love that truly loves you the way you are.

Love like that settles into you like a sense of peace. Calm. Serene. Joyful.

And suddenly, you feel free. You look at the world differently. You look at other people differently. With more generosity. With more faith. With more courage.

You treat yourself and other people like they are truly works in progress.

You believe in yourself. You believe in other people. You really want the best for them.

You know you’ll get there someday. You know they’ll get there someday.

In the meantime, you learn not to judge them – or yourself. You learn to love.

You learn to accept others as they are. Truly love one another. And truly love yourself.

Just the way you are.

Knowing that when you are loved and accepted, you will become who you truly want to be.

Love is a powerful thing.

Real love looks at you and doesn’t see your faults and failures. Real love sees hope. And progress on your journey.

For real love gives you grace. Abundant grace. Amazing love.

Love gives you courage. Love gives you strength. God’s unconditional love gives you grace and courage and strength to continue on the journey without losing hope.

Love gives you faith and reason to hope. To believe that He is working in you to make progress in this adventure we call life.

Real life brings many challenges. But love, acceptance, forgiveness, grace, kindness~they give us the strength to keep going no matter what , to love others and to love ourselves.

If we can keep that kind of love in our hearts, we really are making progress.

For like my sweet friend said: “We are all works in progress.”

~~~This was inspired by someone who is one of the kindest, yet strongest people I've ever known. Someone who is a living example of the power of kindness and grace. Someone who always reminds me that, "We are all works in progress." I hope his words and what they meant to me bring you hope and help you along your own journey. Be kind to yourself. Extend kindness and love to the people around you. It may be the very thing someone needs to find courage and hope. For me, love is what matters most in this adventure we call life.~~~May your heart be blessed with much Love, J.~~~