Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about all the things people miss out on because they’re unwilling to get uncomfortable, take risks, or try something new and different.
Many of us stay nice and comfortable in our safe little bubbles and stick to the same ol’ routines day after day, year after year. Before you know it, five years have passed, then ten, and then, well, you get old and die (at least I hope we all make it to old age!).
We find ourselves locked into comfort and familiarity and we act like we’re too busy to step out a little, or that we don’t need to change anything, really. We tell ourselves everything is just fine, thank you very much.
This way of thinking is part of our nature and sometimes, is totally fine. But when we allow it to be a way of life, we truly miss out.
I can’t help but think of the many reminders God gives us in the bible to be bold and courageous- to trust in Him with all our heart, and that He came so we could have life to the fullest. That His plans for us are far greater than anything we can think or imagine.
And yet, most people will never realize their full potential or live to enjoy and share the fullness of life God intended for them. For you.
That makes me a combination of sad, frustrated, and determined to keep sharing the truth of what I have learned for myself.
During the past week, I’ve had several reminders of the importance of showing up and making a way for God to pour His blessings over me.
For example, this morning, I dropped my son off for an i.d camp at a college campus 20 minutes from home. My plan was to take a walk at the campus, but when I got there, there wasn’t a good place to walk.
So I went to plan B. I googled nearby walking paths and came upon a few. At first, I thought “ah, I’ll just go home and start cleaning and working.” And, then, I reminded myself that this was a great opportunity to discover a new place where I could get my walk in and enjoy the beautiful morning.
Well, I found a park and it was the best, most satisfying walk I’ve had in a long time. Not only was it all-around gorgeous, but at the start of the trail, there was a little sign that read “Gratitude Trail.”
Just seeing that sign as I started my walk elevated my already good mood and ignited in me an even greater sense of gratitude for every little thing in that moment- the sun shining on me and warming my skin, the sound of birds chirping away, the stunning views of the lake and mountains, trees, and of course, all the things that allowed me to be there in the first place.
I felt the fullness of God’s blessing…and I was so grateful I didn’t decide to go straight home.
And then I started thinking about my women’s community that I created 5 months ago and how at first, I wrestled with the idea because of course, my brain wanted to convince me that nobody would come and it would be a lot of work, blah blah blah.
I resisted those thoughts because something in me knew it needed to be done. And that I was the one to do it.
And can I tell you it has been the most beautiful thing ever and has felt practically effortless. Every time we get together, I am completely renewed in my spirit. I feel blessed by every woman who shows up because I know we are better for making time to connect and be in community together.
More blessings. More getting out of my own way, so I and others can enjoy His favor.
I don’t want to give the wrong idea here. I am not saying you have to do more to receive God’s blessings.
I am saying you must leave your place of comfort and familiarity and start saying yes and no with more intention.
If you’re saying to yourself “I’m good where I am” or anything along those lines, I want to challenge you.
It’s one thing to be content but another thing to be satisfied.
We should all be content and grateful. But we should all be constantly dissatisfied.
The difference is that being content means you are in a state of gratitude, peace, and joy, regardless of your circumstances.
Bt, you should never be okay staying in the same place.
God created us to constantly evolve, show up with excellence, grow daily in our wisdom, use our creativity and imagination to honor Him, and pursue His calling on our lives…
When you have a life marked by sameness, you’re not growing. You’re not living to your full potential.
I hate to say it, but you’re also robbing others of their chance to grow. People are watching you and they’re looking to you for guidance and inspiration.
Everyonehas a calling and a purpose. It is your responsibility to step into it while you still can.
Tupac wrote a poem that comes to mind. It’s called “The Rose That Grew From Concrete.”
I think it’s fitting:
Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack
in the concrete?
Proving nature’s law is wrong it learned to walk
without having feet.
Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.
Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else ever cared.
So good.
Of course, I care.
I believe in you.
I want to see every one of us making a way for God to do His thing in us, through us, for us.
Get out of your way and as my son likes to say “Let Him cook.”
For the old folks, this means to let God do what He’s so good at doing.
Be blessed.
Barbara Guillen is a podcast host, writer, and community leader who talks about faith, self leadership and gratitude. Visit her 5 ⭐ gift shop here.
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