Take the Leap

Glorious summer. This one was saturated in blues and greens, the colors that make me feel most at home. My skin constantly sticky with salt and sweat and sunscreen. It was slow but vibrant. I took deep breaths and looked up—a lot. Ian and I found new rhythms (still are) and made new recipes (that too). My body felt stronger and my mind felt clearer than it has in months. I finally got to read, read, read, and I don’t want to stop. Friends took leaps and we cheered them on as they ventured into cross-country moves and marriage and parenthood and realized dreams. I think I got more stains on my clothes than usual—signs of a fully belly and full heart. A full life.

I’m not sure what it is about this time of year, but this is often when old questions and dreams rouse awake. They stretch and yawn and tap me on the shoulder, asking me if I’m ready to play again. For whatever reason, I don’t always say yes. True to fall’s nature, I fall back into rhythm. I hold onto my comfort and my routines and try to give my current commitments, relationships, and activities my full attention. I protect my margin (sometimes…) and hold close to what I know, to what I know I can do well.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. What I don’t want is for the “falling back” to turn into a “holding back” to where I lose sight of what’s lasting, what’s true. Where I get so caught up in savoring the simple of wonders of life (which is a good thing) that I forget the mission we’ve been entrusted to carry out with limited time but eternal weight.

I want my eyes locked on the real prize worth chasing: to know God and follow His lead into making all things new. To purposefully exercise my gifts for His glory, to serve the people around me, to point them to the One who saves and satisfies.

Not to get all sappy, but I’m grateful for Ian, who guides me back to that place of belief and action. I’m grateful for a husband who speaks truth and boldness into my heart on a lazy Saturday afternoon in the pool as I confess hopes and doubts, processing ifs and yeses. I’m grateful for a teammate who empowers me to use the courage I forget I have. To not second guess myself but to just do the thing, because you’ll never know if you don’t try.

So here’s an encouragement to all of us (me included): Seek Jesus, and He will show up. Look around, right in your own little corner of the world, and let your breath be taken away* (because the ordinary wonders are worth it). Listen to close, curious, trustworthy people who remind you what’s true. Believe what they say.

And take the leap. Big or small, a step is a step. Dare to make the first move. Then keep walking, eyes locked ahead.

We’ve got work to do.

*A friend and collaborator, Liz Bell Young, mentioned this idea on a recent podcast talking about her new book Let There Be Havens. Do me a favor: follow Liz, listen to the podcast episode, and buy her new book. You will feel right at home, I promise.