Why are new things often so challenging for us?
I am getting things lined up for a new endeavor, trying to get my ducks in a row before I kick things off so that the ride will have as few bumps as possible. I woke up early to have a little extra time to work on a few things for the project. When I came into my study and turned on the little desk lamp, the bulb blew. It’s a weird size and we usually don’t keep spares for it. And I don’t like having the big overhead light on. Well, at least until I wake up a little.
The more I think things through, the more I realize how many other things could go wrong. I feel like a mountain climber looking at a towering peak wondering if he’s got what it takes to make it to the top.
There is risk involved because I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
I have to admit that even though I really am a new creation, I still have some messed up thinking patterns. Truth be told I am still pretty much a skeptic. Steve Pavlina suggests I should kill my skepticism.
He makes a good point.
I said it the other day. Before the event desirable outcomes are just as possible as undesirable ones. So in theory I could chose to expect the desirable outcomes rather than the undesirable ones.
Really what it boils down to is fear. Fear is a toxic paralyzing force that keeps us from moving forward. They say that courage isn’t the absence of fear but rather continuing on in spite of the fear. And I don’t disagree with that.
But one of the surest ways to be rid of fear is to have a firm understanding of what to expect. When you are in a team environment that plays itself out in the trust that is built up with your teammates, knowing they will do their part when the time comes.
If I fear moving forward it could be because I don’t really completely trust the God who I feel is moving me in that direction. John said it this way
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
It could be that deep down I still have some lingering fear that God is not trustworthy, that He might be setting me up to fail. Because I think I deserve to fail then God must be planning to give me what I deserve.
Don’t get me wrong, it is completely twisted thinking. I know that. But those are some of the thoughts I’ve had this morning.
My desire is to get to the top of that mountain. And not just to say that I made it, either. I sincerely want to be in a position to help other folks get up there too. I think my motivations are along the right lines even if my thought patterns still need a lot of work.
Funny. As I was working through all this and typing this out just now the desk lamp came back on. By itself. Coincidence? Some might say so and then offer up scientific explanations about how the bulb really hadn’t blown or there is a loose connection somewhere, blah, blah, blah.
But I think God decided to communicate with me in a way that would be uniquely crystal clear to me.
“Keep going, son. You’re on the right mountain path this time.”
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Well, I guess there are truely two explanations for your lightbulb, if it is a halogen lightbulb.
For one, you should definitely consider changing lightbulbs soon, especially when the bulb cuts off more frequently when it overheats
But I am just as certain that there is a second explanation, which is that God most certainly wanted to get your attention and challenge your trust in Him. And it appears to me that he succeeded in doing that and that regardless of how twisted you might perceive your thinking to be, it got you to the right thought, that He will never give you more than you can bear or handle.
Keep it up, my friend!
By the way, I have been trying to keep up daily on my blog as well
Oliver
Chris, -Great blog my man! Fear is a natural-born killa’! It grips the best (and worst) of us. But you do need to destroy your skepticism. Replace it with imagination! But don’t just imagine what life will be like at the top of the mountain; consider the thrill of the climb! The endeavor! The effort! The blood, sweat and tears that will come as you make the climb! Thats what life is all about…the thrill of the hunt!
And then the added bonus of being able to help others come behind you. The greatest exercise that we will ever do is reaching down to help someone else up! Press on my friend. Press on!
I too am starting on a brand new adventure. I know I have been in and out of the net but email me back and we will make plans to get together!
Remember, God loves you and Jesus Christ died…just for you!
Dwayne
Ollie, The bulb is a normal incandescent one, just a funky size. I think I’ll leave it in just to see how long it will last. Although I may just get a replacement to have on stand-by.
You are doing a great job with your blog. I keep up with it in my Bloglines. Say “Hey!” to “The Big Readhead” if you talk to her anytime soon. Did her team go down to set up water purification systems?
By the way you can change your sign in when you leave a comment so that your name will link back to your own blog. If you want. (Otherwise folks will just have to figure out which one is yours over on my sidebar!
)
Dwayne! Dude!
You are spot on. (As always.)
Hey man, I emailed you (again). Let me know if you get it or not (this time).
You know, I could just do that
The big redhead is not setting up water purification systems … actually they are not yet exactly sure what they are going to do. The mission trip was officially labeled as: construction.
What it boils down to is that there is a church in Santarem, Brazil that is apparently about twice the size of Seacoast and on of their goals is to establish 50 new churches along the Amazon river … so, that is what they are supporting.
Last time I heard from her, as said, was about 5 p.m. and they were leaving Miami to fly to Manaus, Brazil. We are not sure whether the miracle of cellphonology will work in Brazil. If it does, I am sure I will hear from her on Saturday a.m.
But it is sort of funky that you mention the whole water purification business. Not sure whether you are aware but, last I heard on Tuesday, the new building here at the main campus has yet to get its water meter, reason for the hold up is that the water fails the purity tests and requirements … so, they need some water purification prayers …
Oliver
Ollie, I think it is going to be an exhausting and exhilarating experience for her.
Weird about the water, eh? I didn’t know that.