Today I started my final paper for my New Testament Survey class. It’s not due until October, but our teacher advised us to start now. I spent about forty-minutes getting coffee, a snack, finding the assignment, and trying to figure out how to do it. I’m three pages into it with much more to write. But I started. I’m on the path and now I will add to it as I progress in the class.

When I start my morning run I often think that, no matter how far I plan to run, the hardest part is the first few minutes. Really it is. Yes, it’s hard to persevere to finish, but it takes a concentrated amount of energy to start. (I’ve been told more than once that the look on my face shows my agony in running!)

I reminded Katie of this as we talked after her first week at grad school. She was in a new state and a new school where she knew no one. So many firsts for her. So many details to establish a new residence and art studio. So much to learn. So many new responsibilities (she is a teaching assistant too). Oh, but, dear girl, starting is the hardest. It will get easier.

This is the beginning of her fourth week. She’s working all day and into the evening. But she’s doing it! Like a kid learning to ride a bike without training wheels, she’s taking off and she is pedaling like crazy!

At the beginning of this new season what do you need to start? What is it time for you put your full effort into and start?

• A dedicated time with God?
• Making your family a priority over work, friends, church, PTA, etc.?
• Taking care of yourself so you can take care of your family?
• Back to school for you?
• Fervent prayer for your kid, marriage, friend?
• Organizing your home and life so you can do well what God’s given you to do. Organization saves time and money and fuels creativity.

You don’t need to know all the answers to how it will work. Just start. What’s the worst that can happen? Success?

Let me know what you start so I can celebrate you.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.