Move already!

So last night B(that's my wife for those that might read this who don't know me) said "You should write". Of course, by this she meant "Hey, you're a good writer and you could probably make some money doing it so....you should write". OK.....so I created this blog back in March of last year and it has sat idly by as I tried to decide how to approach the "blogging" thing. Still really don't get it but it seems to be quite the rage these days. And if you know me you know I'm all about the latest rage. Ummm....no.

I will share this with you, however. God gave me an idea about 2 years ago that has been marinating inside of me. The heat has been turned up lately and and now the waters are beginning to roil just a little bit more than they have in the last few months. While the idea is for a new ministry it has become increasingly clear that it has merit beyond a "christian" context. You see, the thought is to move. Simple as that. Not "move" to another town (although that is in the hopper for us as we speak) but to move....act when we feel led to do so. For me, that means that God wants me to be more responsive when he shoves me in the direction of a person that doesn't Christ. Now....before you stop reading because this is getting to "religious" stay with me.

There are times, every single day, that every single one of us feels the push, pull, tug, shove, gentle urging, or outright inspiration to do the right thing for someone else. It may be to stop and listen for a little while longer as a co-worker talks about problems at home. It might be saying "hello" to a stranger that has a look of despondence in their eyes. It might be responding to a Facebook status that you know will end up bringing you more information than you think you have time to hear. It may be NOT passing by that homeless guy at the intersection AGAIN as his sign, and his clothes, are getting drenched by the rain. We can call this urging different things. While, as a Christian, I believe it is the Holy Spirit, a sort of "God texting", you may simply view it as your conscience or your heart strings being tugged. I'm good with that. We can get into the difference between the two some other time. But for now let's just talk about why, when that "feeling" comes, we tend to do nothing more often than not.

Avery, our 7 year-old, came home from school today and after hearing about the benefits of jumping rope in combating heart disease has decided to jump rope in our driveway with a sign asking those who drive by to donate to the cause. THAT is  moving! It has taken me twice as long to finish this because of taking breaks to help her with her sign (pics will follow). What keeps us from moving on that impulse no matter what we like to call it? Fear obviously is the first answer but fear of what? Rejection? Personal injury? The idea that our help will be abused? Racism? What is it? I tend to be quicker than others to strike up conversations with strangers. However I tend to be slower than most at reaching out to those in need "in the moment". Sure...I can plan a mission trip or take a meal to someone who has had a death in the family but I'm talking about the split second, no time to think, act or the moment is lost forever, type of moving. Tomorrow....count how many times your "conscience" "tugs at your heart strings" and attempts to inspire you to move. Think about what your reasons are in those moments for NOT moving. We can't act on all of them......or can we? Until next time. But for now I have to go watch Avery jump rope.

In His Grace