Updates and Accountability – Heavenbound Mom

One of the things you will likely hear me talk about frequently is accountability! Honestly, I have a love-hate relationship with that word ... and with accountability itself. I love accountability when it helps me to be productive or when I’m watching one of my kids or friends successfully accomplish an objective; I sometimes hate accountability when I know I’ve failed or when I am going to have to confront someone I love over an area where they have fallen short of the standard or goal. Even when I struggle with accountability, however, I see its value. An article on BibleStudyTools.com describes being accountable as “being willing to explain your actions with honesty and openness.” We often challenge our children with the idea that, just as important as what they do, is the ability to articulate with integrity the motivation behind their actions. What about me? Am I willing to allow another person to take a close look at both my behaviors and my motives in order to encourage me to greater Christlikeness? Am I willing to honestly assess myself so that I can report to another person on my progress? (Do I have to admit that even just writing those words causes an internal trepidation!? True open and honest accountability is hard, especially for a natural born peaple-pleaser! But I also know that accountability is good!) What does the Bible have to say about accountability? Scripture teaches, first and foremost, that we are all accountable to God (Romans 14:12, Matthew 12:36) and that the spiritual leaders He has placed in our lives will have to give an account to Him for us (Hebrews 13:17). Additionally, however, Scripture teaches the concept being accountable to others. The word “accountability” is not strictly used, but: * Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” * Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 talks about the power of walking together so that when a person struggles or falls he has help. * James 5:16 tells us to confess our faults to one another and pray for each other. * Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that we should sharpen each other as “iron sharpens iron.” * Hebrews 10:25 challenges us to encourage one another in our walk of faith, as does Colossians 3:16; and Ephesians 4:1-3 reminds us to “bear with” one another in love and unity. In short, God designed us to walk together in our journey towards Christlikeness. Additionally, there is a very real and practical benefit to walking together in the physical and emotional aspects of life as well. Community and accountability provide a fantastic benefit in parenting and educating our children. Working with a friend on a weight loss or exercise goal can help make that objective more achievable. Talking with someone who has experienced similar emotional struggles often encourages us in a beautifully intangible way as we hear how God has walked through the valley with them. I find when I am vocal about my goals, I am more likely to succeed. So one of the purposes of this blog post is to let you all know I’ve committed to run a half marathon in November! I’ve run them before – many times, in fact. But over the last few years as my weight has fluctuated, I’ve struggled to find the motivation. Pre-pandemic, I had run a half marathon every year since 2011. Since then, I managed to do some virtual runs, as well a marathon (the Grand Canyon – north rim to south rim) and a half marathon (local to our area of Virginia) of hiking, but I haven’t run an official race ... until now! I just signed up for the “Angry Unicorn” (I totally love that name!) half marathon in Rhode Island on November 12! That means I have just over 14 weeks to get myself ready. Side Note: If you are interested in my favorite skirted exercise leggings, they have the full-length ones here or the capri-length ones here. So ... you all are my new accountability partners! I will post updates at least once a month between now and then, as well as a post-race update. I had a great conversation yesterday with my sister about mentoring and finding a mentor, which fits in perfectly with this topic of accountability ... but more on that another day! In the meantime, what are your current goals? Can you find someone to join with as an accountability partner? What kinds of accountability have you found to be helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments!