I think most people would be familiar with Aesop’s old adage of The Tortoise & the Hare.
While there are valuable lessons in the original story, l recently found gems in looking at it from a different perspective.
Today, I’m enjoying an Aussie Bush tea that turns purple when infused.
What are you having today?
The Old Adage
The story is of two competitors running a race. One being the Hare & the other the Tortoise.
On the surface this race seems totally mismatched as the Hare has great speed & the Tortoise is slow.
But to the astonishment of all, the Tortoise actually wins the race!
Let’s take a look at each character shall we…
The Hare
If you’re familiar with the story you may remember that the Hare is over confident, cocky & boastful in his capabilities of speed to out manoeuver any competitor he comes up against.
The Tortoise
Where as the Tortoise is quiet, humble & has been overlooked as a competitor in a race of speed!
We see that as a competitor the Tortoise always keeps his end destination in focus as he deliberately plods towards the finish line.
Not concerned with the pressure to win the race with haste.
So what can we learn?
If we look at the original adage, it was a warning against pride in being over confident & cocky in one’s abilities that will often lead to a fall.
It was also wise advice that those who have integrity & keep their eye on the goal will eventually win the race!
This has me thinking about the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to us in Phillipians 3:14;
“…press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us…”
What is this goal?
Paul is talking about the prize of spending eternity with God.
He’s also talking about our relationship with God in the here & now, maturing that relationship through Christ as we head towards the finish line.
But life can get pretty tough at times, don’t you think!
And tough times can often lead us to become stressed…
Stress causes us to momentarily lose sight of the goal we’re heading towards.
Just as the Tortoise kept his focus on the finish line without wavering or getting distracted.
Nor was he swayed by outside pressure or discouraged by his own limitations.
We also need to keep a pace that is uniquely ours without succumbing to pressure.
If you feel pressured then it’s time to stop & reassess
I’ve had to do this recently, as outside pressure grew to meet certain expectations. That I’m incapable of meeting at this time due to a challenging cycle with Fibromyalgia.
I had to stop & assess as to why I was feeling so ‘pressured’ by these expectations that I know I simply can not meet.
And I realised that the pressure of these expectations were revealing latent regrets deep within myself.
In not being able to live the life I had so desired to live at this time to help loved ones.
Just like the Tortoise in the adage, I’m slow in this season of my life & need to plod at my own pace.
Solution
And as the old hymn goes;
Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus
‘…look full into His wonderful face & the things of this Earth will grow strangely dim in the Light of His glory & grace!’
by Helen Lemmel
I went to prayer & placed my focus once again upon Jesus, who restored peace to my soul!
Are you feeling pressured my friend? Then it’s time to stop & reassess.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
or
in Prayer
© 2022, Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photos on Pexels.com
Discover more from Tea With Jennifer
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Tea With Jennifer 
Great post and advice! Life can definitely throw curve balls we don’t know or see. I think everyone can agree that when life is good, we are all racing to see who gets at the finish line first. But I do believe it’s more important to go at your own pace. After all, who said life is a race? I know that listening to my body or my mind, has helped me take breaks and reassess. It’s such an important lesson and a valuable one at that.
Maureen
Thank you Maureen, yes we really need to be kinder to ourselves, don’t we! Lovely having you drop by today 🤗
Silly as it sounds I often feel pressure to read all the library books I check out of the library and feel like I have failed if I have to return them unread! LOL. Sometimes I have to remind myself that reading is supposed to be fun and enjoyable and no one cares (but me!) if I’ve managed to read all the books I had hoped to. I can always just check them out again.
We can put so much unnecessary pressure on ourselves, can’t we! But at least we can stop & reassess to facilitate change 😉
This was very encouraging and a new perspective in a familiar story that was so insightful.
Thank you Jennifer and I hope you feel better.
Thank you Manu 😊
Hi Jennifer, its like you summerized my last couple of years!!!! I too had to stop and assess. The thing is, sometimes I know something is wrong but it takes me ages to figure it out. Probably because I am not seeking the Lord on it, and asking the right questions of myself. Great encouragement. I will definitely be popping over for a regular cuppa with you.
God bless
Tracy
I’m delighted you enjoyed your time here Tracy! And look forward to our time together in the future 😊
Jennifer, I love this version by Sovereign Grace
That is a beautiful version Pam! Thank you for sharing it ❤️
It is so easy to become distracted by pressures either outside or from within. I put way too much pressure on myself. I love the song Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Thank you Jennifer for your timely post!
You’re most welcome Pam! I love that song too ☺️
Oh I needed your post today Jennifer! How easily the pressures of life distract us. I love your reminders of where to find peace. Thank you!
So delighted you found encouragement here today Donna. 🤗
My spiritual director is always reminding me that things happen “little by slowly.” That helps a lot. My husband just finished reading a book about the Chunnel. I imagine that after a while those workers forgot that France was even the reason they were digging day after day. Sometimes struggling with chronic conditions can feel the same. May the light of God’s face shine on you reminding you that “they also serve who only stand and wait.”(Milton)
Thank you Elizabeth for your words of encouragement today ☺️
This is so beautiful Jennifer, and I love your alternative perspective of this old, familiar tale…. As you said, when we’re experiencing these outside pressures, the best thing we can do is renew our focus on Jesus. I’m sorry to hear you’re having such a challenging time with Fibro right now. I hope your symptoms subside some for you soon. Sending gentle hugs your way sweet friend.
Hi Terri! Thank you sweet friend. So lovely to have you join me here again 🥰. How have you been?
I’m doing well, thanks! Sorry I haven’t popped by for a while. As you could probably tell, I’ve started a new blog — still wellness-focused, but more faith-oriented — and starting all over again has been a little time-consuming.😊 Now that things are settling down, I’ll be able to visit more often. Blessings to you!
Love the new site Terri! Welcome back sweet friend ❤️
Thank you so much, Jennifer, and thanks for following! I’m so happy to “see” you again! Hugs!!
☺️
That purple tea sounds fun 💜
I love that you performed a deep dive on the old familiar story of the Tortise and the Hare and breathed new lessons into it.
Well done!
Thank you Barb! 🥰