Hustle Hard, but Stay Humble

Hustle Hard, but Stay Humble

Jessica Sunday

It was not but a few weeks ago when I finally completed my introductory period as a new graduate nurse. The role I  tediously worked so hard for finally paid off, but not without the long journey of nursing school, sleepless nights, failed exams, early clinicals, supportive friends and family, my faithful Lord, and my current co-workers and supervisors. All of these challenges with the prayers and help of my amazing support system, made this accomplishment possible. It is important never to forget the people who saw you through in the midst of some of the most difficult times in your life. 

I remember the time I had to wait a year to repeat nursing school and thought that was my demise. My heart hurt to the point where I let nursing school define who I was as a woman. Boy, was I totally wrong. It was not until I saw the purpose through the painful failure that I began to curve my perspective of those semesters. Someone from my clinical group had shared with me how my positive attitude and passion for the Lord encouraged her to return to church. That was shared with me sometime after I found out that I needed to return in a year if I ever wanted to become a nurse. I reflected on what she shared, and I thought ... isn't that what life is all about? Reflecting the love of Jesus...being vulnerable, admitting your weaknesses so you can see God's work through the brokenness so that His strength might shine forth? So, I waited a year only to return to meet new nursing buddies who were also encouraged in similar ways. Needless to say, you are meant to reach people wherever you are in whatever season you may find yourself. 

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I was electronically signing myself off of the introductory period. My supervisor left me with something that went like... "Jess, remember where you came from. Don't act like you know everything." That is when I said, " I got to stay humble." 

She then acknowledged the choice of words I used and believed that was a great way to remember what she was encouraging me to do throughout my nursing career. 

Remember, it is important to hustle hard, but do not hustle so hard that pride gets in the way of remaining humble. Own what you know and learn throughout your years, but seek guidance when you need it. Wherever you may find yourself, know that there is someone behind you that needs your humble spirit to be a role model as they may seek to aspire you. 

 "Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips."

Proverbs 27:2 

Hesed

Hesed

Jessica Sunday 

I recently bought some devotionals from The Daily Grace Co. One entitled "Hymns: A Study on Classic Hymns" and "His Love Never Fails" both of which have been encouraging. I highly recommend trying a devotional from their company. They are very affordable and full of so much spiritual truth. I will be sure to add their link below. I decided to refresh my devotional inventory not only because I hardly have any devotionals but also I find it hard to have my devotions faithfully. I truly believe that people prioritize what is most valuable to them, so if I find my Savior valuable or rather important to me, why do I not prioritize Him like I should? It is so much easier to make excuses for the lack of prioritizing due to the circumstances or busyness around one's life; however, I think the simple honest truth of the matter is plain. I (we) neglect my devotions because I (we) do not prioritize Him into (my) our (life) lives like (I) we should. When we neglect to do this, our lives often become exhausting, draining, and more difficult than what they really need to be. We might even feel "spiritually dead." This is what happens when we are the ones who depart from His presence. 

When I sat down this afternoon to have my devotions, I decided to open my second devotional as pictured above. The first devotional entry was entitled Steadfast Love. The Hebrew word for this is "Hesed." Hesed has been translated into many English words... mercy, steadfast love, favor, goodness, loyalty, lovingkindness, and grace. Such love is the love that Jesus pursues us with! Its relentless, never-ending, all-satisfying, unconditional love was displayed to the children of Israel as it is available and given to us! This is a love that even when Israel was unfaithful to Him, God did not let their unfaithfulness stop Him from loving them unconditionally. That part of the devotional hit me! 

Even when I am unfaithful to God time and time again in dismissing my devotions, He "heseds" me no matter what I do. His love goes deeper than the human love can ever consider going. His love endures when it is tough. His love endures when communication is severed between His child and Himself. We will never be able to love exactly like Jesus loves, but we can try to love those around us more considerately. We can also purpose in our hearts to make it a priority to spend a little more time with Jesus instead of "fitting" Him into our busy schedules. What is a devotional that has helped you in your spiritual walk? I would love to hear from you! 

Link to The Daily Grace Co. : https://thedailygraceco.com/

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." 

Lamentations 3:22-23