When it comes to delayed gratification, no matter your age or ability to resist, we have all experienced it and understand its importance. It is uncomfortable, however, to put one’s desires on hold, even with the belief that the return will be more significant in the future. I actually look back on instances in my life where delaying gratification not only yielded a greater result, but I discovered more along the journey of pursuit—thankful that I stayed the course.
I closed the chapter being a collegiate basketball player just a few years ago.
Like it was yesterday, I remember the disheartening feeling when my alarm would sound at 5:10 every morning for my first mandatory workout of the day. If I could go back and tell my 20-year-old self that I now joyfully start every day with a challenging workout before sunrise, I can’t imagine the look of disbelief I’d get. Something that millions of people set out as their new year’s resolution is a disciplined I am grateful to have started in my life.
Every once in a while, I reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit noted in the Bible and rate myself on how I apply them in my life.
I used to think that each fruit was a requirement for receiving blessings in my life, including patience and self-control. I have found that it is far from a necessity as I serve a limitless God. The Fruits are ways to prove my maturity so that I can be trusted with the gifts I inherit.
Looking back on my college days, I had no idea how waking up early would enhance my life later on. Take retirement as another example. Even when people knowingly contribute towards retirement throughout their lives, they don’t always imagine the significance retirement savings bear until they are in their sixties and retire confidently, thankful they chose to delay gratification with every paycheck.
June 2023
