I decided last night I would skip my workout this morning. I would be too rushed to do it well.
But when I woke up early, I decided, “Well, I do have time for just a little.” The minimum.
Because a little is better than none.
Sometimes a little turns into more. Sometimes it stays just a little. Either way, even a little can be good.
I apply the same principle to Bible memory work. My full routine includes reviewing one page of older individual verses, reciting one chapter previously learned, and adding two verses of a new chapter. But sometimes I either lack time for all of that, or honestly, I just don’t want to do it all.
So I do just a little instead. The minimum.
Sometimes little grows into big. Sometimes not. But a little is still better than none. And even a little can be good.
The memory work might turn into simply reading the verses instead. No testing of memory at all. Or I may review only a few, lingering on one or two, letting those soak.
That’s okay.
Just as the end goal of my physical workout isn’t to check it off a list—it’s to stay healthy—so the end goal of memory work isn’t to check it off a list either — it’s to stay spiritually healthy.
Transformed.
It’s not about me perfecting the words.
It’s about the Word perfecting me.
So I keep plugging away at my memory verses and chapters, a little at a time. Progress is sometimes hard to measure, and success, harder still.
But through at least a little, the door remains open for God to do a lot.
My physical workout this morning ended up fine. My memory work today? I haven’t begun yet. I don’t really have time and I don’t really feel like it.
But I think I’ll do at least a little . . .
* * *
I apply this principle to housework, too. [FlyLady, anyone?]
What do you convince yourself to do “just a little” versus none at all?
REVISED FROM THE ARCHIVES
Rebecca · 668 weeks ago
It’s about the Word perfecting me."
Love, love, LOVE that thought. Jotted it on a card and stuck it in my Scripture memory notebook.
My recent post Inductive Bible Study, Part 7: Wrap It Up!
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
My recent post Scripture memorization - A little is better than . . .
joyceandnorm 27p · 668 weeks ago
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
My recent post Not just another day in church
tinuviel · 668 weeks ago
It helps to know your system for memory and review. That seems wise.
Blessings to you, and strength for the busy.
My recent post Our Most Solid Comforts
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
My recent post Scripture memorization - A little is better than . . .
Julie · 668 weeks ago
And especially as a thought to drive my actions in spiritual and physical workouts.. yes...no matter WHAT or HOW MUCH..."SOME ...absolutely trumps NONE!!!!". Love you girl....you are a born motivator and encourager. {{HUGS}} xoxo Stay cool in that deep South Alabama state...
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
I am trying to stay cool but failing. ha. It is HOT down here the past several days. But I'd still rather be hot than cold so I won't complain (too much). :)
My recent post JUNE 2012 Posts
fsamons 60p · 668 weeks ago
If we cared as much for our spiritual health as we do our physical one, the world would be a different place...
My recent post A LONELY SUMMER
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
You have a great discipline going to study before writing. Trying to imagine how different life would look if we all cared for our spiritual health as a first priority...
My recent post JUNE 2012 Posts
marybethketchum 24p · 668 weeks ago
I am planning to start memorizing Scripture in August. I'm a little nervous but I know it's important. :)
Mary Beth @newlifesteward
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
Just this morning I've been praying (again) about which chapter to memorize next, and soliciting input from some of the other ladies at Do Not Depart. It's getting me even more excited to start back. We will be blessed to have you join us.
My recent post Scripture memorization - A little is better than . . .
@Choosingfaith · 668 weeks ago
And yes, I like Flylady too, for housework. I'm currently reading Kathi Lipp's, The Get Yourself Organized Project, and am loving it! whenever I've reorganized a disorganized drawer, cupboard, or closet of my home it just makes the house feel so much more relaxing.
My recent post Psalm 103 Summer Memory Challenge: Mercy in Abundance!
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
That's probably a contributing factor to the stress I've felt lately: my house is in disarray with piles of supplies for this and that. Some of it is unavoidable at the moment, and will disappear in a few weeks, but until then I still need to make room inwardly for Christ's orderliness.
The Lord is using Psalm 103 to help me with that, so I thank him for spurring you to initiate that challenge this summer!
My recent post Scripture memorization - A little is better than . . .
beverleyhirst63 50p · 668 weeks ago
My recent post a book review
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
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Susan · 668 weeks ago
You express it sooo well! I have been truly blessed by your site and the memorization.
Love this....its not about me and what I do,but allowing Gods transformation to change me
It’s not about me perfecting the words.
It’s about the Word perfecting me.
He can do so much with so little
But through at least a little, the door remains open for God to do a lot.
Thanks for the reminder and ecouragement
Susan
Lisa notes 103p · 668 weeks ago
My recent post Not just another day in church
Caroline · 666 weeks ago
Lots of good quotables in this post, Lisa. :-)
My recent post What’s the Big Deal About Scripture Memory? {Tuesday Talk}
marilynsaxon 1p · 547 weeks ago
Lisa notes 103p · 547 weeks ago
An online group of us are about to start memorizing Psalm 27 next week. If you're interested, here's a link with more info.
http://donotdepart.com/resources-memorize-psalm-2...