Today is the Day

I can't tell you how many times I've drafted a new post, but felt that it was unready, unfinished, unimportant, or unworthy or sharing with others.  Truth be told, there have been many seasons of my life that have been defined by those same feelings of fear and insignificance.  Fortunately, when God puts something on your heart, it stays there; and He utilizes people, situations, and scripture to affirm His purposes for you. Well, last week, I felt His affimirmation. I heard it, in fact.

My sweet mom was treating my girls, my nephew, and me to lunch.  Once we had assembled all the high chairs and adhesive placemats, sanitized all the little hands, and broken all the food into toddler-sized pieces, it was time to bless the food. When we do this as a family in public and I'm the one leading the blessing, I almost always lean forward towards the kids and say it just above a whisper so as to not disturb the other people eating around us.  On this occasion, my brave and bold nephew belted out his prayer of blessing for the whole restaurant to hear. I have to admit, I had to peek and do the "one-eye-open-one-eye-closed-scan" of the place to see how many people were watching. But then I closed both eyes and let his unashamed declaration of gratitude fill my heart.

"God, our Father, God, our Father, 
 Once again, once again,
 Thank you for our food, thank you for our food!
 Amen. Amen"

When he finished praying, some people clapped, some people laughed, and some people just kept on eating as if nothing happened. But my sweet nephew was oblivious to all reactions. It didn't matter to him how or even if anyone responded. All he knew was that God wanted him to show gratitude for his food, so he did. Proudly. Confidently. Without hesitation. He was performing for an audience of One.  And that messed with my heart. 


How many times have I withheld my faith from public eyes or ears because I worried about how it would be perceived? How many times have I downplayed God's work in my life because it seemed weird or awkward to share with others? How many opportunities to encourage and bless others have I missed because I lacked confidence or boldness? Sadly, the times are too many to count.  But inspired and challenged by my 4-year old nephew, from here on out, I will  choose to remember God's truth when I find myself consumed with the opinions or approval of others. 


The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. (Proverbs 29:25 ESV)


For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1: 16 ESV)


What has God put on your heart that you've been hesitant to share or do?  What have you started and left incomplete that God has called you to finish?  What have you allowed fear of rejection to keep you from attempting? What are we waiting for? Let's press forward today with our eyes fixed on God and His truths, rather than the untruths we have allowed to invade our hearts and minds. Today is the day.  I'll be praying for your courage and endurance!


Be Blessed-
Megan