When our six kids were all living at home and we were going out somewhere together it was a major undertaking just to get everyone out the door. If we were heading somewhere special there was the added drama that goes with having four daughters and what they were going to wear, and our boys invariably complaining if they have to wear more than their favourite old comfy pair of shorts and t-shirt.
Somehow no matter how organised I was I’d often be the last one to have a few minutes to get ready, and even then I’d be interrupted by requests to do hair, nails, ironing, help to do up buttons or a last minute wardrobe change. Getting out the door takes a finely tuned strategy and then military precision to execute it. Its a beautiful thing to behold when it works and absolute chaos when things go array.
Which is much the same with anything we want to do in life. Some days it perhaps would be easier to do nothing and not venture out of our safe comfortable space; to essentially keep the door of our life firmly closed.
But I’ve discovered that one of the ways we find joy is by expanding and opening our hearts. We choose to open up our hearts, venture out of our comfort zone, because even when it may take some preparation, strategising, and effort on our part it’s worth it. It’s when we open the door of our life, and step out in some way that we experience life, meet new people, build relationships and grow in the purposes God has for our life.
Undoubtedly it takes some effort to open our life to other people and experiences, but I’m so grateful for God’s strengthening and inspiration to make the effort even when it is a little crazy. Our purpose is tied up with “opening our hearts and venturing out the door”.
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)“. (John 10:10)
Today make a decision to be always looking to expand your life in some way. Seek to enlarge your heart, influence, experience and impact on the world in whatever way is availabe to you as you venture forth today,
“Enlarge the place of your tent. Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not, lengthen your cords, and strengthen your pegs. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left.”. (Isaiah 54:2-3)
Prayer: Lord please help me to expand my life and to open up my heart so that I can experience life in all its fullness. . In Jesus name Amen
Comments