You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer.
You’re out in the open now.
The bright light of Christ makes your way plain.
So no more stumbling around. Get on with it!
The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours.
Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
Ephesians 5:8-10 (The Message)
I’ve groped my way through the murk more than once.
I am definitely out in the open now.
I used to be very clandestine, quiet, introverted, shy, you take your pick on an adjective. But now as I enter further into life, I see more clearly how my mud walks and dark days have taught me to be brave.
I am brave enough to share how I trudged through that murk with you, dear reader.
First, as a woman, I acknowledge this:
Kids are a blessing, but they are a lot to carry, raise, and teach. I am thankful that my husband and two boys have walked beside me, reassuring me that I’m a great mom, friend, etc. I have my doubts at least once daily. When I was a child, my parents and sister walked beside me, and thankfully they continue to talk and spend time with me as an adult.
Our faith in Christ was a foundation in our family structure then and now. There is a generational impact of faith formation, and I believe that it takes a lot of exposure to Christian beliefs, Scripture, and teaching to really impact one’s brain and beliefs.
My belief in Christ began to form more maturely in my teen years. I don’t have a date I was “saved,” but I do know that the “Light” of Christ clicked on in my head and heart with a soul change; this happened sometime in my middle school years.
The Light of Christ has shone brightly at times and flickered as well…the best part is the energy of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a tiny heart spark of Christ, and It has never left me.
It is the heart spark of the Holy Spirit that enables me to share more and more of myself in person, on social media, and on my blog.
I used to have private thoughts, journals, and a blog for those I gave the link to. However, I figured out if I have been reading someone’s words and they fill my heart or head with goodness or encouragement, then I should share my heart and words as well. Do you share your feelings aloud or in print?
To share your story and help someone else is a way to “Get on with it!” Will you join me?
I can do the sunny days better than the cloudy days. In my mind I did the elementary years better than the mom-of-infants years. I do better on days that things seem to be going according to my mental plan. I think we all have God-sized Dreams, but the reality is we cannot always achieve them right away or ever.
His plan for us is eternal. His plan matters to the world, to us, and to other people. Our plans for ourselves have strict time lines, budgets, and often selfish motives.
Be brave! Get on with it! Go forward today looking for glimmers of Grace.
I can cheer you on toward your dreams and cheer myself on toward mine. However, the best life coach is God’s Word. His Word, the Bible, is documentation of God himself. Turn on the Light! Get on with it!
Read the Instruction Book.
Figure out what Christ is calling you to do today.
The weeks, years, etc. will fall into place gradually. Grope your way through the dark days, and rejoice if you are basking in a sunny one! He is ever present, He is worthy to be shared, and He is our Hope. Look for His presence in words, people, and events.
Please also know that if today is terrible, you can “Get on with it!” when you allow His Light to shine onto your days ahead.
I used to think my God Sized Dream was to be a perfect mother/wife, published author, an amazing small group leader, or a very successful athlete or professional. I had to “Get on with it (my life)!” I am a truthfully a less famous girl with many friends, neighbors, clients, and a sweet, small family.
I believe that I’m living a beautiful God Sized Dream each and every day I acknowledge His presence and look for His glimmers of grace. He has brought me through the muck, and I know He is always a steady guide to what lies ahead in reality and in heaven.
So “Get on with it!” Go where His Light leads you.
Dear God,
You are the Designer of our days.
Forgive me when I make my own plans without including Your Presence.
Give me a thankful and open heart.
Help me to see Your Light and Grace in my life today.
Amen.
Shared by: Jennifer K. Cook
Jennifer, your thoughts here are so wide and wonderful. I, also, find myself getting lost in the large — making plans for a someday future and a far away hope, when my dream is unfolding every minute that I live.
Blessings to you!
Yes – go where the Light leads you.
Jennifer,
I love reading more of your journey. So grateful we met via blogging. Keep shining the Light God has put in you, my friend 🙂
Beautiful thoughts, Jenn! I love how you wrote around the words in Ephesians. The Message version speaks clearly. Thank you for sharing how you are Brave by telling us a piece of your story. May we embrace our lives and be willing to share who we are with others by just getting on with it.