March 15: Are you ready to turn your life upside down?
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DEVOTIONAL:
Last year, my sister and her husband received a phone call on April Fools’ Day that turned their lives upside down. Fortunately it wasn’t a joke: the twin boys they sought to adopt had been born…almost two months early!
In that moment, like Abram, they needed to get over their fears, trust God and follow a path to an unknown place. They had to believe that where God was taking them was where they were supposed to go.
And yet, isn’t this approach to daily living so difficult? Our culture tells us to seek a comfortable life with little risk. We are supposed to set goals, make plans and stick to them. We play it safe by staying in places and with people that we know well. We all seem so awfully busy trying to just keep up that we don’t have much time for out-of-the-ordinary requests, surprises or spontaneity. And who has time to even listen for where the voice of God is calling us?
But what are we missing out on when we don’t? What are we missing by not venturing into the unknown? To name a few, we are missing opportunities to assist a stranded stranger, eat meals with a new immigrant family, help a sick neighbor and converse with our enemies. Ultimately, we are missing out on opportunities to become more human.
PRAYER
God, help me to become more human by slowing down, listening for your voice and allowing myself to be open to follow wherever it is that you are calling me to go today, even if that means having my life turned upside down.
Thanks, Jodi. What a good meditation with which to begin my day.
Author Bruce Main calls these moments of opportunity “disorienting dilemmas” and says they are necessary for spiritual growth. Godbless those who “cross the road” for experiences that provide growth.
Those boys are not finished turning the parent’s lives upside down!! It has been so much fun watching them grow through the Happy Friday pics! Thanks for the challenge and inspiration this day, to take time for the important. Aunt Rita
JODI! Your written words articulate my beliefs. However, there are then struggles to follow my head & heart. Have a sweet day burrowing in your bureau! Hugs, your Auntie Patti
Jodi-
Thanks for your thoughts today as I hustle around preparing for a trip, always preparing for something.
You have inspired me with some ideas for the afternoon.
Blessing-Lisa
Thanks – the challenges for living with new realities never stop – your meditation today inspires us to keep listening… and following.
very timely for me. thanks for the thoughts and time to create the challenge.
Age didn’t seem to have a deterring effect on Abram. At any age, or at every age, we need to be ready for new adventures, and to be called by God.
Jodi, Thank you for reminding me to live by faith, to take a few risks, to listen for and follow that unexpected call, and in so doing to become more human(e).
Exactly on point. Great sermon material in a contemporary example. Thanks!
I really like this. It came to me at exactly the right time because we are doing a strategic plan for the organization I work in. Blessings.