What makes us feel grounded, money in the bank, a good relationship, lots of friends? This question popped into my head as I was going through the process of transitioning from one job to another. I thought things were going well as I worked both jobs for a period of time, believing that I was doing great by having the two jobs. When I finally made the switch to one job I had not realized how disjointed I actually was. Two jobs with two different expectations and ways to do things. Life is like that, you don't know what's off kilter in your life until you let go of some things. The process of letting go allows us to slow down and really think about what we really want, and to decide what do we want our choices to say about us.
Encouragement from Stacy Adams Hawkins.
TGIF! Sometimes you must take two steps back in order to move three steps ahead. Don't fret over the back and forth. Appreciate each moment of life's dance as preparation for where your path is ultimately leading. When you're eventually able to soar, serve and love like never before, you'll be grateful for the divine choreography. - #LifeUntapped A couple of weeks ago my church participated in CARITAS, a local organization that provides temporary shelter using local churches in the community. For one week approximately 40 women slept in our church fellowship hall. A well coordinated group of volunteers provided breakfast, a bag lunch and dinner. What the women engaged in during the day was as varied as the women themselves. Some had jobs and others had no particular place to go. During this same time my car had its first need for repairs. I had been walking everywhere I needed to go for two days and my feet and entire body was in great pain; so I thought. On a particular sunny day I found myself walking behind one of the CARITAS women. She looked like any other woman walking down the street who could have been going anywhere. As I walked behind her I reflected on the fact that I was on my way home just a couple of blocks away. She however was not and would be moving around throughout the city all day until time to return to the church. My feet were killing me after only two days and not even two full days; how weak was I? As I followed behind I was struck as to how you never know what someone is going through just by looking at them. I also was reminded of how blessed I am in having a home, transportation and means to provide food. Our paths are all different and all that is required is for us to be open to the opportunity and gift of seeing beyond the outer person.
The other day I decided to do something different with my hair. Not an earth shattering decision but for me it was a big deal. I am the poster child for being a creature of habit. I don't like change, whether it's what I'm eating, wearing or how things are done in general. So this particular day I decided to pull my hair back and embrace the different look. Got a few compliments which was ego boosting; I felt like it showed too much of my face. As the day went on I had an epiphany, if I want change to occur and see God move in my life then I need to be bendable and willing to do things differently. Holding on to old ways keeps me stuck in a place that God wants to move me out of. Jesus came to be that "new way," and so many times I'm holding on with white knuckles to how I am used to doing things.
While playing Candy Crush I realized looking down takes my eyes off of the solution. By looking up you get a wider view that just might bust everything wide open.
Why is that so hard to remember when we are in the midst of our struggle? Every day I have to have a conversation with myself as a reminder of what I already know. The fear of not having what I need, failing at a new challenge; honestly it doesn't take much to rattle me. That is my struggle; forgetting to look up and see all that is around me just waiting to help and encourage. It has been entrenched in my psyche since childhood that I can never do anything right, so at times I am literally frozen with fear that I will make a mistake. For me mistakes are not for learning but rather a statement or proof that I couldn't do it. Thankfully those thoughts are fewer and far between, every once in awhile a thought will creep into my conscious and I must beat it back. So here I am once again to bask in the Grace that gives each of us a new start each day. I will continue this journey with my head held high, expecting the unexpected at any moment. |
Use this space to challenge long held beliefs that might be holding you back from living to your fullest.Archives
October 2015
Categories |