Red Thermometer.

There is a red thermometer sketched on the white board on the fridge in my and Karin's house. It tells me daily, sometimes rejoicing, sometimes mocking: 43%. 43%. 

It has been at that level for a while. I hit 40% at the beginning of May - it is now July. I have met with several people, increased 3%. I have 57% left to go - in just under 2 months. If I continue at this rate, by my projected "start date" I won't even be at 50%. 

I often get distracted and discouraged. One day I spent nearly the whole day reading. Reading. A fantasy novel. About zombies, of all things. (Not really a fan of zombies. At all. It tricked me.)

I easily get swallowed up in my failings and kick myself for not being more diligent, more responsible, for not presenting the ministry well or not specifically inviting people to join my team. If I just worked harder, if I just stayed focused, if I were better I could reach my goal, be a "good missionary." Or at least support raiser.

It's time to forget what is behind and strain for what is ahead. To press on toward the goal to win the prize.

But that's taking that out of context. That's not at all what the verse is talking about. It's not about attaining whatever your goal is, but attaining Christ. 

"I want to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:10-14

Seek first, then all else will be added. According to God's timing, will, and discretion. My striving attains nothing, but in seeking Him I have all I need.