In order to grow we have to take risks. Stepping outside of what is safe and familiar can be like opening a door to find an isolated desert. Growing up I didn’t have a lot of familiar, safe things around because we moved a lot (like once or twice a year) so as an adult I prioritize having a repetitive rhythm of life.
Which is good. I feel safe, my home feels safe, and my children reap the benefits of the security of knowing that life rolls along.
But somewhere in the mundane living of life day after day- there are dreams. God knows those dreams that live in my heart and he hears their whispers. He hears their whispers when my well-oiled machine of life is chugging so loudly that I can’t.
And when he answers the whisperings of my heart all I can do is smile. And sweat.
Stepping outside of my well-oiled machine even for a moment requires careful planning, thought, and action.
Sometimes risks are scary. “It takes courage to jettison the mantle of work we have done well for the chance to grab at the cape of what we might do even better” (Julia Cameron).
When we take risks our territory is expanded- it could expand our friendships, our jobs, our marriage, our art, the kingdom of God!
Even though taking a risk means there is a 50-50 chance of missing the mark, we can feel a sense of self-esteem knowing that we had the courage to step outside of the familiar to take a stab at growing- to do something more and larger than what we have done before.
I believe you, your husband, and children should step out and take the risk. Instead of visiting relatives, plan a vacation to Europe, Asia. or Africa. If carefully done, you could do it. Believe me, after you have done it once, it will be a regular and you will feel much better with yourself. Incorporate a religious theme and your mind will be at rest. love you.
I agree.
I’ve heard it said,
“If we always do what we’ve always done, we’ll always get, what we’ve always got.”