I almost missed God’s invitation last week.
I am a planner. Not only do I set quarterly goals, but have five year and ten year dreams written down.
I focus on doing. I am a “three” on the Enneagram – yes, I am driven by accomplishment. I thrill at checking off items on my endless to-do list.
So I felt very threatened last week when listening to NPR radio story. I have learned when words or phrases echo in my soul and resonate in my heart to pay attention. God is inviting me to ponder something.
So I listen carefully last week. I was not sure why the words resounded deep within me but I certainly knew they were not what I normally practiced.
The NPR story was about a man names Todd Bieber who went for a walk after a winter storm in New York last December. Much to his surprise, he looked down and found a canister of film.
He almost threw it back into the snow when he remembered something a friend once said to him. This is the line that reverberated in my spirit.
“Fun stories happen when you make choices you wouldn’t normally make.”
I couldn’t stop thinking about that line. Once home I looked up the story on NPR to hear it again. And it still lingered in my thoughts.
By the way to read about the rest of Todd’s story and how this one moment in time finding a lost film canister ended up taking him across the world and meeting all sorts of new friends, listen here. Yes fun stories did happen for him.
What was God telling me in this strange line: “Fun stories happen when you make choices you wouldn’t normally make.”
Was it the word ‘fun’ that I didn’t like? Did I arrogantly think that having ‘fun’ was too shallow, too unproductive, too immature?
Is it safe to “make choices you don’t normally make?” Wouldn’t I be vulnerable outside of my comfort zone?
The more I prayed and contemplated these odd words, the more I realized I have been so focused on the future – getting things done – that I was missing present adventures with God. I concentrated so hard to keep the walls up surrounding my comfort zone, I no longer could see my Comforter.
So I am loosening the grip I have on my beloved to-do list. Spontaneity is descending on my inflexibility. And I feel free.
Lord my heart is open to Your present moment and whatever adventures each new day brings.
I don’t know where God will lead me on this new escapade, but I am ready to go – to experience “fun stories that will happen when I make choice I normally don’t make.”
PS. This new nugget of truth reminded me of a great inspirational story I once heard about God and adventure. I will hunt it up and put in on this blog this Saturday, April 9.
How did you react when you read the phrase “Fun stories happen when you make choices you normally don’t make?”
I did really like the quote and think it will guide me for awhile. I am so deeply ingrained in the rat race, I need to be on being in the present each day. Thanks for all your comments
Jeanie, this will be a great adventure for you! I like that quote, and am trying to do new things when I can. Kind’a like the “road less traveled.” Bless you on these new choices1
I have to remind myself every day to stay in the moment. I think this thought about the fun stories will stay in my thoughts today and perhaps He will speak to me about spontaneity.
I’m very much the same way Jean, but like you I’ve been working on being open to allowing God to take me in alternate directions along the path.
Thanks for the reminder!
Have a Blessed Day!
Great job, Jean. Those are hard changes to make for us unadventursome types.
Fondly,
Glenda
Jeanie..that’s the way I live my life. HA Seriously you know my to do list is always and ever changing. I will be so interested to see how this goes with you. One comment..,You accomplish much more than I and your to do items are always for others…that can’t be something you can turn off. I love this post and you.
Clella