“No one achieves his or her dream without daily disciplines.”- Mark Batterson
In Chapter 7 (“Frozen”) of Chase the Lion, Pastor Mark Batterson underscores the fact that no shortcuts exist when it come to dream chasing. As Mark explains, work ethic + prayer ethic inches you closer to your dream.
Therefore, chasing your dream consists of incremental steps. Also, these steps must by worked on day in and day out. Pablo Casals, considered by many to be the best cellist ever, still practiced three hours a day at the age of ninety-six. When asked why, Mr. Casals said, “I’m beginning to notice some improvement.”
The author observes that we live in a culture that celebrates fifteen minutes of fame. In contrast, God honors a lifetime of faithfulness. And, as German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once noted, faithfulness involves a long obedience in the same direction. Unfortunately, in Nietzsche’s nihilistic world, that philosophy didn’t extend to God.
Such obedience to God, Mark states, earns compound interest. This creates a cumulative effect. Rather than starting over every day, you build on the day before. For example, legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden live by one simple creed: “Make each day your masterpiece.”
To accomplish this, practice daily rituals designed to inch you closer to your dream. By stacking those successes together, you achieve long obedience in the same direction.
In order to counter discouragement, Mark advises you to zoom out. After all, he states, “you can’t just dream big; you have to think long.”
Today’s question: What daily disciplines help you sustain a long obedience in the same direction? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Our greatest shortcoming”
