Every winter, I have the temptation of locking myself away in hibernation to “grind” and then come out in summer for “enjoyment”. But winter leaves battle scars. It’s almost like each period away to work lectures me on the subject of myself with the lesson title “You’re not as strong as you think”. Habits exposed, insecurities inflamed and lifestyle choices assessed. The cold does a lot to a man, it’s not just my fingertips that get numb. I seldom have little desire for human interaction (a natural extrovert), but the earlier onset of the darker skies makes me want to go against my natural inclination to be amongst people. I have very little choice but to stay focused for the tasks at hand, but
How do I lock in, without locking in?
Who's gonna carry the boats? And the Logs?
Winter, for me, has always been where summer’s antics are paid for. I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit it “I love the game, I love the hustle” (Mitch, Paid in Full 2002.) If writing this at 6am isn’t rise and grind culture, I don’t know what is. But honestly, winters are typified by hard work and focus. The cold almost gives me an extra reason to go harder. Beneath the puffer jackets and base layers, is a dog (figurative of course.) Dog work isn’t pretty, it's never been. It's the early mornings, it's the strict bedtime, it’s the “sorry I can't make this one”, it's the routines and schedules to make sure what needs to get done, is done. Culture has overcorrected, demonising these periods of focus and hard work. But they’re necessary. The Logs need to be carried. The work needs to be done. The boat isn’t going to move itself.
Note: I believe the Christian should be the most driven person, it’s your reasonable service. It’s the only way in which all of this makes sense or has any purpose. A true and proper response to grace.
But it must be said: The Logs can crush you. Dog work can turn toxic (a word I’m hesitant to use.) I’ve felt it before, finding myself in unhealthy indulgences. People are most vulnerable when alone.
Prayer and Partner
One lesson I’ve come to terms with is the essentiality of partners in this dog work period. Yes lock-in, but be locked in. I recently started a book called Locking Arms that had a chapter called “What Old Men Remember”. In these reflections, they recounted the key highlights of life being when they overcame hardship with others. Their stories personified Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where the power of partnership is revealed: Accountability and Availability. We do need people to check in on our goals, but even greater those who would be available when life’s woes hit. Perhaps a call to lean more and love harder. Regardless of the size of the dog, a pack of dogs are stronger than an isolated alpha. But more importantly, there is one relationship that is guaranteed to give comfort in the cold winters. I don’t know how, but there exists great power in prayer. Amongst all the cancellations, the creator of the universe never seems to miss an appointment. If there is anything to be locked into, its prayer. Shut yourself in with him regularly, spend time there, don't leave too soon.
Conclusion of the matter
Work hard, lock in and be locked in. If you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far go together [I recommend the latter.] Time spent in prayer and study is never time wasted.
Dog work!!
very needed. thanks mate