Joy or Fear ~
The word new can either strike joy or fear in our hearts. Some see new as a threat to what has become comfortable. Others see new as hope for the future. The common thread with both views is change. New is moving from something that is present or familiar to something fresh and unknown.
Our efficient brains are always looking for ways to compile repetitive actions into automatic functions, saving energy for more pressing and higher order actions. You put enough of those actions together and you’ve formed some habits. You put enough habits together and you’ve got yourself a routine. Add in some life experiences and a worldview and you’ve got yourself a lifestyle – a way of living. A pattern of living that you either love and wouldn’t trade for anything or you hate it and feel as though it’s keeping you down.
But what if a door were opened to you. One that looked nothing like the life you currently live. An opportunity. There are likely chemical reactions that fire off impulses to either go toward the light or run as far away as possible. I love this passage about Moses:
“There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ ” (Ex 3:2-3, NIV)
I often wonder how many times had Moses passed “strange” sights, how many opportunities did God present for them to interact. If only we would let the unusual catch our attention. How many opportunities have we passed up to interact with the Father. Do our limited mindsets restrict us from going on an adventure with Our Maker? Let me ask you this question: What is the cost of staying where you are now and not moving with God? The Bible is clear that it could cost you everything. But what is everything when you are rolling with the Father of Heaven and Earth.
From experience, I can tell you that new things are not easy, but they are rewarding. They come with a cost, but it’s worth it. You will have to change, but to be honest, we could all use an upgrade. An upgrade in our ability to trust the Father, extend our faith, and be courageous and unafraid to yield to His way. I currently have a full plate, transitioning from a previous way of living to the one I am pursuing. I’ve retained the life roles of mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend. I’ve added Realtor, adjunct instructor, and doctoral student to the lineup and possibly a new position at work with greater influence. I’ve made big shots in the last two years, some with big losses. But there’s something refreshing about taking a path that is unfamiliar knowing the Father is walking it with you. There are frustrations and even fear, but I do not let them invade my heart or control my actions.
I encourage you to keep your eyes and ears open for not just any opportunity, but the one that the Father wants you to notice. Get ready to interact with him in a whole new way.
Florencia C. Robertson is a devoted wife and working mom who has authored 2 blogs focusing on the functional application of the 31st chapter of Proverbs and the daily rush hours for working families of 5-9am/pm. She aspires to complete her first fictional book in the near future. Her previous works can be found at byFlorencia.com. You can follow on Twitter @byFlorencia. Florencia is a native of Maryland and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
