In the Way

When you think about where you want to go, what is in the way? When you think about what you want to become, what obstacle do you see most challenging? When you think about the desires of your heart, what is stopping you?

There are many ways to look at this question. For some it is quite literal “What is in the way?” My pastor will get fired up on stage and he will talk about people driving slow in the left lane. In this situation it is an object or person impeding your way. Jeff’s a busy guy he’s got to get there in a hurry so those people are what’s in the way.

For other people their goal is change, it is growth, it is a new life, and the object in the way is Fear. Fear can be an insurmountable obstacle for some. Change as I have talked about before can be terrifying and can breed fear inside that people may have trouble getting through. Fear can control their lives and cause them to stay still when all of their body wants to get out and move.

For still others the thing in the way is themselves. I know the most about that one because that is me. I struggle with what my heart desires versus what my brain thinks I should have. My heart longs to make a difference in people’s lives but my brain says you haven’t got your own life together. My heart wants to bring a little of heaven to earth through love, kindness, and friendship. My brain has convinced me that this will never happen because I am not worthy of love. My heart wants to do great things, all the while my brain has me convinced nothing good will ever come from me.

As these thoughts creep into my head they limit my ability. They cause me to pull back to keep from coming up short. They keep me where I am not allowing me to achieve my goals. I have to take a step back and look at it as a whole. Then a peace comes over me and I know that I can do all things through Christ. After all they once said “Nothing good can come from Nazareth.”

I love you.