before, during and that's all

sometimes all I get are the before and during pictures.
because by the time we're done, I'm done.

Plus, I don't know that I care as much about the end result....it's the before and during parts that get my blood pumping and heart beating.

Needing to remember that today.

The main reason I didn't get an after picture is a God-appointment showed up, needed a friend and oh how I related to where her heart is.
Pretty sure I said NOTHING of significance though and the whole thing would have been better had I said nothing at all, as usual, right?
The good news is that I know the Holy Spirit and I know how He works so I prayed really really hard after she left that she only heard His words, his wisdom, the James 3:17 kinda wisdom.

The pictures of the girls craft reminds me the end result is not what my heart should be after, that is already taken care of, it's already a victory in His plan and it's His victory, not mine.
It's the 'during' part that my energy, prayer and love should be poured into, as a way of worshiping my God who I know has already won the battle and completed the craft.

Knowing the end result and keeping our eyes fixed on the 'prize' is the reason for during but the idea of the reason should never halt me to inactivity, even if I do feel like it's would have been better without me.
He uses what I bring.
Two fish, one loaf.
One penny.
The last of the cheap perfume instead of the casserole.
Water instead of wine.
Oil.
A speech impediment.
Low position.
Poverty.
A blundered conversation.....