Phatspiration: There's Joy in Repetition

While many celebrate 'firsts' (first kiss, first baby, first time you fall in love), as one of my favorite artists sings, there's joy in repetition. If you know that artist as Prince, you know something about good music. If you're hating right now, that's ok too (you clearly don't appreciate the eccentric). As the appeal of new experiences fades, repetition become the norm. This is true of every situation that we encounter: relationships, jobs, diets, fashion trends, daily habits, and the mundane yet miraculous exercise of taking a breath inandblowing it out. It can all be seemingly automatic.

Ultimately, repetition is the building block of learning. It is the very art of perfecting. It is the gradual occurrence of change. I have always craved change. As an adrenalin junkie, I like dramatic, immediate, and forceful shifts. Like skydiving, roller coasters,  race car driving, or even bungee jumping (but I am not trying to be like Trent, Hillary's boyfriend from Fresh Prince), there is an indescribable rush that occurs when you try something for the first time. Your heart flutters, your head is filled with questions, you're anxious and excited all that the same time. When described like that, doesn't sound so exhilarating, huh? As a matter of fact, at least half of our firsts turn out to be our lasts.

Oh, but the things we like...what! We we want them over and over and over again. 'Forever Ever' doesn't seem like a mighty long time. There is something about that result that makes us want to capture an eternity in one moment. When we get accustomed to having things a certain way, we either become bored or creative. To me, that is determined by your level of interest and desire. I also believe that this changes with our maturity in the action, behavior, or concept. When we are new to something, we struggle because it is the first time it has ever happened for us. It is easy to give up at that point because you don't have any investment made. The more you pour yourself into something new, that is when the mastering begins. At first, it may driven by outside factors such as competition, envy, or necessity. Then, if there is true passion and purpose behind it, you begin to fall in love.

You know love when you see it. It is exhibited with great care and thought. It becomes imprinted on the fabric of your soul. It becomes synonymous with who you are. When you gain new revelations, you begin to explore even more. It becomes your gift and with excellence it can inspire others. When obedient, you reach new heights and find the new in the familiar. This is clearly demonstrated in our love for Christ and the Father. That beautiful, unique, graceful, and merciful walk He takes with us is life altering. Through that one relationship, you are covered in every single aspect of your life. He never tires of loving us, forgiving us, delivering us, redeeming us, healing us, protecting us, believing the best in us. So yes, there is joy in repetition. Let me count the ways....