This afternoon I rushed home, eager to change into comfy athletic gear and take our dogs out for a walk. The past few weeks with its endless dreary rainy overcast days and a flu virus quarantine at the assisted living community where I work, left me feeling worn down and in much need of a serious dose of Vitamin D and fresh air.
Lickety-split I was in my favorite Nike’s, headphones on and the pups were on their leashes and we were basking in the warmth of the sun. As the dogs and I tooled around the neighborhood I pulled up my latest selection on Audible and hit play.
Christian author, Elizabeth George is one of my all-time favorites. Not having grown up with many godly influences in my life, I always listen intently to Mrs. George share her godly wisdom through her book, “A Woman After God’s Own Heart.”
As I listened while the dogs played, something Elizabeth said caught my ear, “Dream of being a woman’s after God’s own heart.”
Dream…?
Something about that word really piqued my curiosity and the little kid in me, rose to the surface as I tried to think of the last time I actually dreamed of anything. It had been way too long and just like my need for a little sunshine, dreaming, it would seem was something else I needed in my life.
In fact, the more I toyed with the idea of dreaming about being a woman after God’s heart felt like someone was asking me, “If you won the Mega-Bucks lotto what would you do?”
Well dear friends, that’s what so exciting about Elizabeth’s words of encouragement, we don’t have to wait until we hit the lotto or relocate or start a new job in order for things to change in our lives. We can be proactive, take stock of where we truly are in our walk with the Lord, in our marriage, our relationships with our children, friends and family and honestly ask ourselves, “where are we and what would we like to change.”
I think part of the reason I was am so excited these days is because I realized while walking that I was living on autopilot. I was so caught up in making a living, getting through the day, and just getting by, that I’d somehow stopped enjoying living. Life was mundane.
Routine.
Redundant.
Now that’s not to say I wasn’t grateful. A quick look over my life and I will be the first person to tell you that the good Lord has sought fit to bless this sinner with more forgiveness and grace than I’ll ever deserve.
But somewhere along the way I had forgotten how to live.
Here’s the deal, that list of to-do’s sucked the life out of me even affected my time with the Lord. It was stale. Boring. Blah.
Jesus warns us, saying, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation3:15-16 (NIV)
There’s danger in becoming apathetic, in simply giving up and accepting a pasty relationship with God.
Now is the time for a little daydreaming.
Life could look different.
Once home from my walk and energized by Elizabeth’s words, I began asking myself how was I going to break this cycle of repetition and low-level boredom in my daily life and spiritual walk? What needed to change in my walk with Jesus? Which areas needed a good cobweb cleaning and which habits need to go into the emotional trashcan?
Almost immediately thoughts began to permeate my time with God.
I missed women’s bible studies. I missed the comradery and accountability that comes from spending time with other God-centered women and ultimately the growth that comes from being in God’s word.
The church we attend is small and we don’t actually have a women’s ministry per se. But why should that stop me or any other woman who wants to draw closer to God? It shouldn’t.
Which then led my pen to paper to scratch out ideas on how I could start a group, invite others to participate and frankly get me out of my comfort zone and cause me to stretch and grow my faith with God.
Boo-ya! Within minutes ideas were flowing onto the pages of my journal and for once, in a very long time, I was excited about the possibilities.
Now the tough part…
In order to not fall prey to my old habits I needed to take action. Which led to more brainstorming, more journaling and a list of ways to help get this group off the ground, including researching a good bible study to offer, connecting with our Pastor to garner his support and of course, first and foremost, talking to God about this idea. I can’t wait to see where He takes these ideas!
How about you? Are there areas that have grown stale?
If so, I encourage you to grab a journal, find a quiet spot, pull out your bible and spend some time with God asking the tough questions of yourself and of Him. Share your heart and your daydreams.
Who knows us better than the good Lord above? Who wondrously made us and knows every hair on our head? He loves you and I and He waits to spend time with us.
May your time with the Lord bubble up new dreams for your life. Don’t settle for apathy. Don’t settle for being lukewarm. Get out there, talk to God and give those dreams a chance to take flight.
Until next time,
Jesus loves you!
