Each winter, I engage in a ritual of sorting through any seed packets remaining from the previous planting season. As I compile a list of seeds and their quantities, I reflect on what grew well in years past and what didn’t. For those that didn’t, I ponder whether to compost them or give them another chance.
Some say that repeating the same action and expecting a different result is a sign of insanity. Why invest time and effort in seeds that failed to flourish before? Is it madness to sow them again?
The answer lies in the dynamic nature of life. It’s not irrational to try again because every year is different. Variables like weather, soil conditions, pests, personal time and commitment, and unexpected challenges can alter the outcome. This growing season may resemble last year or be completely different, but it won’t be identical.
Our lives are similar. We are constantly changing. You’re not the same person today as you were 10 years ago, last year, last week, or even yesterday. We’re continually learning, growing, and adapting.
Despite this, we sometimes use the proverbial definition of insanity as a justification to give up. Why try something again when it didn’t work last time?
History is full of individuals who failed repeatedly and kept trying. A quick exploration of names such as Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, or Walt Disney reveals their resilience in the face of setbacks. Consider the impact if they’d given up prematurely.
Past failures don’t necessarily dictate future outcomes. Just because something didn’t work for you before, that doesn’t mean it won’t work now. Life unfolds in perfect synergy with God’s timing. His plan’s in motion. You can’t see the steps, but that doesn’t mean you should give up and stop trying to step forward.
