THE ROCKING CHAIR CHALLENGE
I think a lot.
Anyone else relate?
I remember doing so from my earliest memories as a little girl. I still do this today. So there is a pretty good chance I will still be thinking and reflecting on my rocking chair four, five or even six decades from now.
Thinking…
Thinking…
Thinking…
which made me think of the rocking chair test.
Ever hear of it?
It’s when you imagine yourself older in the golden years. (The ELA teacher in me came out there with some Euphemism.)
So let’s do it right here and right now…
Imagine you are on your rocking chair in the most comfortable, peaceful place looking back at your life.
What are you thinking of?
What do you remember most?
What do you regret not doing or saying?
What are you so happy you did?
This is a strategy people use when faced with a life decision or change. Will I one day look back and regret not doing this? Would I one day regret never taking the chance?
It is a strategy I have used as well, after praying.
So this week’s message is short but it is sweet. That is because I am not waiting for the regret one day. I am lifting up all my questions, all my plans, and all my unanswered “stuff.” I am lifting them all to God as I rock away and reflect RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW. I pray you’ll do that too.
Therefore, The Art of a Messy House Right Here Right Now challenge this week is to…
Pause
Think about it: Do you have any changes, opportunities, decisions or choices up again? Is there any confusion? Is there any doubt or worry?
Pray to God. Lift it up.
Afterwards, consider writing out the positives and negatives.
Then, think about it… one day on that rocking chair, will you regret doing or not doing it?
And most importantly, does it align with what God has placed on Your heart?
I had to do a lot of this with starting to publish this two-part series. It was new. It was scary. It was something that was on my heart all throughout my life. My first favorite stuffed animal’s name was Memoir because I felt the urge inside of me at a young age to write and tell my story. I may not have understood it at the time but I felt it. I was 6 or 7 years old when that name was placed on my heart. And sure, I know we can’t always follow the heart because we are flawed.
However, when we pray, read scripture and spend time daily with the Lord, we can see what prompts come. When the promptings or signs come, however, they come, record them. Often, if those dreams remain and the prompts keep coming, there is purpose in them. I have found that they are waiting for our obedience and action.
Then, we must check our motives and motivation. What is the reason I want to do this? What is my WHY? Sometimes, the journey may take long, not only because of our missteps or delays, but also because God is teaching and guiding us to get our motives straight. I know He humbled me through the process with such things.
And through it all, He is working behind the scenes.
Still, I sit here “rocking” already reflecting on such things. Still, I take each step of this publishing adventure, endeavor or whatever the best word for it is, even though it’s terrifying at times, even though the doubts try to pry themselves in.
Still, I trust the Lord’s faithfulness and character that when He calls us to do something, He has already given us what we needed, no matter how it feels.
Still, I don’t want to miss the boat that God is calling me to jump on. I want everything He has planned for me. I know it was delayed on my part because of distractions in my early 20s such as drinking a lot more than I would like to admit and chasing after extra jobs that would pay well.
Still, God’s plans are HERE. They are NOW. I don’t need to sit and sulk in the regret that I wished I had started listening and obeying a decade ago.
Every moment is a chance to turn it around, to change, to take the next step into what God had for us.
Every single moment is a chance.
Right now is a chance.
Right here is a chance.
God holds everything we need.
So if that dream is still there, if that prompting of the Holy Spirit keeps coming, cry out to Jesus. Ask Him to lead You and guide You. He is right there waiting. Whether it be in a boat before us or a rocking chair that we sit resting on, we don’t need to wait to walk in the life He has for us.
So yes, I still use this rocking chair challenge in my life now at the age of 39. Because I don’t want to miss a thing He has for me. It may not always be how I planned it or envisioned it, but I know I can’t overlook and waste anymore time in walking the path God has laid out before me.
He has done that for all of us.
A beautifully distinct calling but it doesn’t just unfold without our actions and obedience. We must first make sure that in every prayer, in every venture, in every new step… we ask God to lead us right here and right now.
And this I pray…
Dear God,
You are the ultimate decision-maker. I pray my prayer and heart will remain the same then as it is now. I pray to glorify You in all I do and that my life radiates Your light. I pray for forgiveness when I let worry or any emotions hold me back from listening and obeying. I pray for the courage to seek Your wisdom, to listen to where You lead Lord, and to obey. I pray to follow the will You have for my life. I pray that even when it’s uncomfortable I listen and follow. I pray to be bold enough to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
