Hugging the Curb

Driving with my Dad has become an interesting adventure. Each excursion is different than the one before. Age has made him cautious. His eye-sight isn't what it once was and his confidence has waned with the years. He has definitely become a "curb hugger". Sitting on the passenger's side, I sometimes feel like we're going to be jumping the curb! Dad likes to drive as close to the right side of the road as possible and seems hesitant to face any on-coming traffic. Given that he will be 83 shortly, I suppose none of this is overly surprising.

As I was reflecting on this earlier today, I thought how often my life is that of a "curb hugger". I can be hesitant to face new situations. I can be fearful to move out into the fast lane for Christ and run with the enthusiasm that should characterize a Christ-follower. I can hold back, be silent, remain seated, ignore holy nudges and turn away from God's promptings. Fear too often keeps my seatbelt on, the door closed, the windows up and the door locked. Instead of journeying into all that God desires for me, I'm on a safe track like those little cars at amusement parks. Restrained by a self-imposed security bar, it's impossible to venture off the road and experience wonderful adventures with God.

God doesn't want me foolish, but He wants me free. I'm not going to take ridiculous risks, but I do need to embrace and enjoy the adventures He has in store for me. I have to leave the comfort the curb affords and drive in the traffic, trusting God.

As I've been contemplating what this means personally to me right now, this morning my heart was stirred by one in a series of posts on Tracie's blog. Today I read a challenge where she encouraged the reader (that would be me) to take a "leap of faith" and embrace the call that God has placed upon my heart. Now, I have a choice here. I can keep 'hugging the curb', or I can seriously respond to what I have felt God speaking to my heart...not just today, but over the past weeks, months, and yes, even years!

You know, it's so easy for me to write words on a piece of paper or craft together a beautiful, thoughtful writing that will encourage hearts, but it remains only mixed letters on a page if it isn't followed by action. Most of you reading my blog only know me through the computer screen, and I can write anything I want, share insights, formulate stories, highlight truths, but if I'm not sharing the reality of what God is doing in me, the good and the not so good, I remain by the side of the road, letting life pass me by. Words can be hollow, nothing more than a sounding gong and a tinkling cymbal. So...

Tracie's challenge today has spoken deeply to my heart. With my job coming to an end (my last day is tomorrow), my family will begin two weeks of vacation. I sense I already know what God is calling me to do, but fear has kept me from following. My mind recalls a saying that goes, "It is better to have tried and failed, then never to have tried at all." I don't know that it's failure I'm afraid of. I'm more afraid of wasting my time because I'm traveling down a "Joy path" instead of a "God path". I want to live my life in the center of His will. I'm going to take these next two weeks to really pray about His leading. I'm not going to make a move until these next two weeks are over, and then, I'm driving in!

One thing won't change though. Just like when I travel with my earthly Father, I must remain in the passenger's seat and let the Lord take control of the wheel. He will steer me into the God-adventures He planned for me before I was born.

Are you hugging the curb or daring to drive in the direction God leads? Gutters and garbage are curb fare. Won't you join me? I think we're in for the ride of our lives! I know I am!!!!