I was lying in bed like a starfish this morning. My mind had clocked in for the day, but my body was all… nah.
My thoughts were chasing squirrels all over the room until they somehow landed on what I now call my “Trifecta of Inspiration.” Has a nice ring, doesn’t it?
Mister Rogers, Dolly Parton and Joanna Gaines. That’s my starting lineup for inspiration.
All three of these people have found their true calling and simultaneously live out their faith in ways that captivate believers and non-believers alike. I’m speaking in the present tense, because to me, Mister Rogers is still alive.
Mister Rogers and Dolly Parton, I’ve talked about before. I’m contemplating buying a trolley and an amusement park just to channel my inner greatness. Saul’s not on board with those plans just yet.
Joanna Gaines is a new-comer to my lineup. If you’re not familiar with her, then you need to come to my house and sit on my couch and watch a “Fixer Upper” marathon on HGTV with me. You’ll be a fan in no time. Joanna and her husband, Chip, restore homes to their former glory. Chip does the demo and Joanna does the design.
Joanna’s style is amazing. It’s obvious she’s living out her purpose and the nation has fallen in love. But here’s the thing… she stumbled onto it pretty recently. She wrote a blog post that mentions being on a road trip with Chip 12 years ago and stressing about not having a specific design style. What?! Well that was a pretty quick turn-around…
Don’t believe me? Here’s Joanna’s blog post.
And here’s my point. Not all of us are meant to be on a stage or a screen or making enough money to bankroll an amusement park. But the same God who put kindness into the heart of Mister Rogers, and a song into the soul of Dolly Parton, and a picture of beauty into the mind of Joanna Gaines is the same God looking out for you. Regardless of your age or where you are in life or what ships have passed you by… He’s not done with you yet. He wants to lead you into your legacy. All you have to do is follow.
Okay. So I wanted to end the blog post there, but I can’t. I’m a pragmatic person and therefore, I hate it when I’m left without practical ways to implement inspiring ideas. If you’re looking for ways to better hear God’s direction for your life, let me give you a few. I’m still figuring it out, too, but these seem to work pretty well for me.
Agree that you screw up a lot of the time and need a Savior, and then ask Jesus to lead your life. (Can’t get what you don’t ask for, right?)
Open a bible and read it. Not all in one sitting, you’ll go blind. Just read a paragraph or two and then think, “What in the world does this have to do with my life and what you’re trying to teach me, God?” Sometimes I have to think it through all day, but eventually, I always get the answer. You can read the bible on your phone or computer if you don’t own the physical book. Or go to a hotel. They have them in the nightstand.
Do the next right thing. Decision by decision, day by day, hour by hour. Listen to that little voice in your head that is saying, “You really shouldn’t do this” or “Go talk to her” or “What if?” You’ll be amazed by where the Spirit will take you, if you’ll only follow.
God sees you and loves you right where you are. May you see him and love him in 2016 in a way that transforms your life and unleashes the purpose for which He made you.
