Faithful Doers

I've had three intense conversations this week and it's only Wednesday.

Three people, all very different, yet all feeling the same tug and pull to do something different in their work.

Each feeling the need to pause, assess, and listen.

Each feeling pressure to figure out.

Each feeling afraid and uncertain.

Each hearing the ticking of the clock growing louder and louder.

Maybe I attract people like this because I can relate to this feeling of "Now what to do I?" as I often (daily) ask that question.

I like new ideas and get bored easily. I'm excited (terrified) to try new things. Even if I have no idea what I'm doing (imposter syndrome), I am comfortable (frozen in fear) giving it a try.

That last paragraph pretty much sums up the overthinking cha-cha I do in my mind for the majority of my days.

Each of these three people is amazingly gifted with a tapestry of experiences that opens up a galaxy of options on what they could do next.

I'm no space traveler, but I'm pretty sure galaxies are hard to travel in since our phones won't get a GPS signal and there aren't any road signs or roads, for that matter.

In these moments, our trio feels like they are floating in space, uncertain of where they are going or if they will ever get there.

It can be nice for a while, with a pretty view of all the cool planets and stars, and hey, who doesn't want to feel weightless for a little bit?

But, let's be honest, at some point, you gotta find a place to land so you can at least use the bathroom.

In my humble opinion, the one question that tends to induce a plummeting thud from sudden gravity is the question of, "Well, if you could do one thing, what would it be?"

If we knew what that was with such clarity and assurance, we'd be doing it.

Please, please don't ask that question.

I know it's meant to help and bring clarity, but we dreamers, seekers, and wondering types rarely have that one thing.

We have like a million things.

The same goes for our traveling trio.

They have a lot of great ideas. So many, in fact, that they can't grasp just one to act upon.

I picture them in these super cute astronaut suits floating in space as these ideas whip around them, and they slowly reach out and can't quite take hold of them.

And remember that ticking clock I mentioned? Each of these three is feeling the pressure. The sense of urgency tugs at them like an annoying signal is beeping in their helmet.

They want to be faithful to the dreams God has placed within them, and they know they aren't getting any younger.

They want to use the gifts and skills they've worked so hard honing all these years.

They don't want it all to go to waste.

They all have a spiritual sense that they have work left to do.

So, rather than add to the pressure already building up within them, our chats were filled with laughter, encouragement, and what-if dreams, sparking ideas, connections, and next steps to try.

I hope our traveling trio left each conversation feeling inspired and hopeful; I sure did.

If they can be faithful to try and do the things God is encouraging them to do, so can you.

You aren't being silly.

You aren't too old to try something new.

You aren't being irresponsible or ridiculous.

You aren't alone.

God is calling you forward. I know you can feel it.

You can feel God pulling you forward even if you don't know how, where, when, why, or what it means.

If you want to have a deep conversation about the dreams or ideas within you and how you might get out of your space suit to relieve yourself, let me know.

Perhaps we can make this a quartet, or heck, why not a whole choir of dreamers, seekers, and faithful doers who give some things a try, despite the fear of floating and not having a clear-cut destination.

I'll float along with you any day, my friend!

Psalm 71: 17-19

Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Isaiah 46:4

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you, and I will rescue you.

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.