Renewing the Vision

There’s no time like the present to jump back in.    

We are less than two weeks into the new year, and I am not talking about my New Year’s Resolution, although I could be. I’m talking about this blog— I let it get dusty and then sit for a while longer. I haven’t stopped staring it down, and it hasn’t stopped talking to me. “Hey… are we gonna do this or are you going to walk by like you can’t hear me.”

Let’s talk about obligations. 

Obligation— A social, legal, or moral requirement, such as a duty, contract, or promise, that compels one to follow or avoid a particular course of action. (Webster’s Dictionary)

We throw around words like it’s no big deal— but research (and the Bible) show that our brains are very efficient and attentive computers. We are programming our brains as we SPEAK, and also as we think. 

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.” -John 3:2-4 (ESV) 

In the middle of doing something we enjoy, it becomes a little bit of work. In that moment of feeling tired of the thing, we have a choice. There’s an opening for a thought mindset to be the driver. Think about the movie “Inside-Out.” Who is at the control panel of your attitude? 

I love writing, sharing, praying, and studying for this blog. I love the process and the adventure of it. It isn’t always easy, or comfortable— and in that space… I have a choice. 

I have been choosing to let it become an obligation. A Guilt-making, shame-causing, second-guessing, feet-dragging, happiness-stealing obligation. What comes to mind for you? What is the thing on the counter, or on your to-do list that stares you down and plays the guilt card?

An obligation is a requirement that one is compelled to follow to AVOID a course of action. An obligation when tied to guilt, can be emotional blackmail. “I Should” should be avoided like other curse words. 

What is the alternative? I could choose. Choose to wait a few weeks, or choose to start. I could even choose to quit. Making a decision eliminates the “spiderwebs” of guilt hanging over me. 

More than this, Joy is a choice. I could choose joy— choose to joyfully be present with my family, until my capacity returns and I am once again excited to begin. 

I could choose to joyfully submit it back to the Lord and lay it at His feet until He calls me to pick it back up. I could remember the JOY of writing, and hearing how I am not alone. 

So here is a quick reminder that no matter what “thing” you feel like you have dropped— you have a choice. 

Pick it back up, and dust that thing off. Forgive yourself, and then make a choice. It’s not as big a deal as we make it, and shame is a curse word right along with should. Instead of cursing in language, it is cursing your spirit— and I think we need to see your Joy instead. 

Let’s change those resolutions to renovations and keep moving by Grace with Joy