Monday, May 1, 2017
Verse for the Week:
Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Our scripture for this week is quite poignant, isn’t it? It is calling us to the carpet and appealing to our sense of personal responsibility. Ouch! This might be a bumping ride so put on your seat belts.
Are you taking responsibility for your life? Are you really showing up in your relationships? On your job? In parenting? In self-care? In your faith? Are you making the most of the opportunities you are given, or simply shying away into the comfort zones of easy-street living and inaction?
One thing I know to be true about life and leaning hard into it, is that it takes courage! Courage to acknowledge our emotions, control our reactions, and take ownership in difficult situations. It’s a willingness to show up and be vulnerable.
Vulnerable, you say? What does that have to do with courage?
Vulnerability has everything to do with courage! It has been said that courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it’s choosing to act in spite of the fear. And we can’t do that if we are unwilling to be vulnerable. You see, it takes transparency and honesty to face our fears and overcome them with action. That, my friend, is true courage.
And in my personal opinion, vulnerability, honesty, transparency, and courage make a woman sparkle with beauty. I promise you, you are never more radiant than when you are your true self.
What keeps us from our true selves? From truly living…out loud…on purpose…on full lean? Fear probably tops the list. Most of us put a lot of effort and time into creating these little bubbles of comfort so we can function and exist with the least possible resistance.
How about you? Do you live in an emotional comfort zone—unwilling to be vulnerable with yourself and others? Or how about a relational comfort zone? Are you maintaining toxic relationships because it’s easier than making a change or challenging the status quo?
Life is short. That is a fact. But it is also a fact that life is hard. Let’s not waste any more time living in fear. Instead, let’s go hard after those things in life that are calling us to courage.
How? We must first pray for wisdom. We need divine help to live wisely. We need guidance and direction to make the most of every opportunity. Why? Because there are temptations around every corner, lurking in the dark recesses of our lives and sometimes right out in the open.
Wisdom is the way to make the most of every opportunity.
The days are evil. Our scripture ends on that note, probably a warning of why we are to be careful. Let’s face it, our culture leans toward lazy. We like easy. And I must say, I love modern conveniences that allow me to manage my time better—thats a blessing to a single mom for sure.
The problem comes into play when we sacrifice character for the easy way out. And when we do that, we lose a little bit of our self until there’s no sparkle.
Don’t get me wrong, I know you are tired and being pulled in every direction. Remember to give yourself some space and grace to be human. And then, lean in. Lean into life. Lean into vulnerability and let it reveal the courage inside you.
This is a call to become more aware of the opportunities for a deeper life. A wiser self. And a more productive purpose. Lean into life this week, and in doing so, you will discover a deeper, more beautiful you!
Prayer:
Lord, There are so many reasons why I shy away from really engaging in the life you have for me. Open my eyes to see the opportunities you are orchestrating on my behalf and for my good. Grow me, Lord, in courage and strength, and give me wisdom and guidance to make the tough choices. Lastly, help me to really show up in those relationships you have placed me in. Give me the courage to be honest and vulnerable. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflect and Respond:
Take some time to think about where you get stuck in the comfort zones of life. Try and identify the fear that keeps you from stepping outside those comfort zones in order to fully engage in the life God has designed you for. Then pray for wisdom to make the most of every opportunity you face this week.
Remember, you are not alone. Have a blessed week and LEAN IN!
Dori
*Reprinted from October 12, 2015