The Tribune

By KARIN HERIG

Tribune Features Editor

kherig@tribunemedia.net

I'm the type of person who goes all in 100 per cent of the time. In many instances this has led to me biting off more than I can chew.

Have you ever had a day where you attempted to do so many things that you did not complete any task successfully? We decide to clean a room, but never finish because we want to make the bed, sweep the floor, change the curtains, all at the same time. We want to lose 15 pounds so we go out the first morning of exercise and try to run five miles at the very beginning. We end up cramped, in pain and completely discouraged.

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to do everything and ending up doing nothing!

In our excitement to Spring clean our lives, we may attempt to change everything all at once. Over time, however, the lesson I learned is that every thousand-mile journey or any lasting change, for that matter, begins one step at a time.

The story of Creation tells us how this works. God, desiring life, takes strategic steps to ensure that what He creates is not only beautiful but lasting. In fact, systems and cycles needed for our very existence, not even mentioned in the story, still work together to keep us alive. How do I know this? Let's take a look at God's creative process:

Day 1: Light

and dark

Day 2: Sky and water

Day 3: Land and plants

Day 4: Sun,

moon and stars

Day 5: Birds and fish

Day 6: Animals

and people

Over six amazing creative days, God shaped and formed the earth so lovingly and carefully, however, in the record of creating all the animal and plant life, and all the geological inventions, the Word never records that God created oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide. Although these actual elements and their careful balance are pivotal to the survival of life on this planet, there was no day when God decided to go through the creation of the periodic table, so that we can breathe and respire or so that plants and animals could exist through the symbiotic exchange of gases. However, because He was so deliberate in His steps, the change in atmosphere accommodated this very important need.

Our Spring cleaning for the soul will be no different. No matter what goals you have set, you will find that as you work systematically toward these objectives, things you are not even considering presently will begin to fall into place. Without even knowing it, each positive decision will have the ripple effect of changing your life for the better. Your goal to adopt a healthier lifestyle will lead you to drop the sticky buns, and the starchy foods.

Opting for fresh and well-prepared meals will reduce blood sugar levels without your even thinking about it. Saving for a dream vacation will lead to wiser spending habits, and less activities that lend themselves to wasting money. You won't wake up in the morning and tell yourself, "I am not wasting money today." But each decision you make toward the priority of your vacation, will compel you to save your money. These are just a few examples.

Don't be afraid to take things one step at a time. There is no competition. Your goal is to take your own life to the place where you can be happy and have a lasting impact in the world around you. Your agenda is to challenge and change yourself.

Set the goal you desire, admit where you can be strong and can go wrong. Now, begin. One step at a time, in the right direction is the key to lasting change. God bless you this week!