Practice Makes Perfect??

We took three of our grandchildren to see the Harlem Globetrotters this past Saturday. They had a blast. It was fun to see the awe on their faces and their smiles in response to the players antics on the court.

The years of practice the Harlem Globetrotters have invested showed in their synchronized moves as they passed the ball to one another without missing a beat. We witnessed the ball swoosh through the hoop multiple times from mid-court, along with some unbelievable maneuvers.

As phenomenal as the players were, they still were not perfect. Even with the countless hours they’ve worked and practiced, every throw did not end up through the hoop, and the other team scored multiple times. There’s no doubt the Harlem Globetrotters did their best, and they were still amazing to watch.

God reminded me that I don’t have to be perfect. He just asks me to do my best.

When I began writing my novel last November, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but just kept putting words on the page. Within four months, I had written over 110,000 words.

I’m currently editing the manuscript, and I’m bombarded with a multitude of novice errors that have to be fixed. I could allow myself to get discouraged and give up, or I can realize that everyone started as a newbie at some point and had to work, practice, learn, and grow to become the amazing authors they are today.

I can also be encouraged that I’ve learned enough writing skills over the past few months that I’m now able to recognize many of the mistakes I made.

My writing will never be perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. Just like the Harlem Globetrotters put their heart and soul on the court, I’m pouring my heart and soul into my writing. I want to make an impact for God’s Kingdom through my writing so, I’ll muddle through, pray for God’s help, work hard, practice, study, learn from others, and walk through every open door God gives me.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

Join the conversation. What are you pouring your heart and soul into? Have you been discouraged and felt like giving up? Don’t quit! You will never be perfect, but you don’t have to be. Just do your best. That’s enough.

Please share this post to encourage others on their journey.