Exciting Old Things

Usually when people get excited it’s over something new. New friends, new toys, new gadgets, new stories, new memories, new discoveries etc. But how often is it that we get excited over old things? Over the things that used to excite us? Let me tell you, it’s much more exciting to re-experience excitement because it’s a true and genuine appreciation. Try it sometime.

Want to know how I discovered this? You probably guessed it already. Yesterday I got excited over something that happened to me in the past. 

Last night I was asked a question that most people are afraid to ask. And if the person claims to be a Christian, is often even ashamed to think. “How do you know that God is real? How are you absolutely sure of this? Don’t you ever doubt?” 

Woo what I thought. Don’t we all think this at some point in our life? In the month? In the…dare I say it…day? Every day we are given the opportunity to question our faith and beliefs but that means that every single day we have the chance to proclaim our faith for all of the world to hear. And at the bare minimum, for our own mind to throw around. So to bring this full circle, these questions brought me back to the first time that I KNEW God was real. The first time I sobbed over my unbelief and wept over the truth that I am so small and God knows me by name. Want to know how? Of course you do. It’s so simple and yet so many people don’t do it. I prayed this prayer:

“Lord, if you’re real, please show me. Reveal yourself to me in a way that no man could ever convince me that you aren’t real. I need to know you myself.”

Well I’m going to be a brat and not tell you HOW he revealed himself to me but let’s just say that although this prayer first left my mouth 4 years ago, telling the story brought me more excitement than any new thing could.

Exciting Old Things

Usually when people get excited it’s over something new. New friends, new toys, new gadgets, new stories, new memories, new discoveries etc. But how often is it that we get excited over old things? Over the things that used to excite us? Let me tell you, it’s much more exciting to re-experience excitement because it’s a true and genuine appreciation. Try it sometime.

Want to know how I discovered this? You probably guessed it already. Yesterday I got excited over something that happened to me in the past. 

Last night I was asked a question that most people are afraid to ask. And if the person claims to be a Christian, is often even ashamed to think. “How do you know that God is real? How are you absolutely sure of this? Don’t you ever doubt?” 

Woo what I thought. Don’t we all think this at some point in our life? In the month? In the…dare I say it…day? Every day we are given the opportunity to question our faith and beliefs but that means that every single day we have the chance to proclaim our faith for all of the world to hear. And at the bare minimum, for our own mind to throw around. So to bring this full circle, these questions brought me back to the first time that I KNEW God was real. The first time I sobbed over my unbelief and wept over the truth that I am so small and God knows me by name. Want to know how? Of course you do. It’s so simple and yet so many people don’t do it. I prayed this prayer:

“Lord, if you’re real, please show me. Reveal yourself to me in a way that no man could ever convince me that you aren’t real. I need to know you myself.”

Well I’m going to be a brat and not tell you HOW he revealed himself to me but let’s just say that although this prayer first left my mouth 4 years ago, telling the story brought me more excitement than any new thing could.

Up to bat

Yesterday was my first day in my new position and I must say, I’m impressed. With my boss, with myself. I thought I had certain work habits, flaws and characteristics that would be hard to change. I’m afraid of speaking to new people. I prefer email over telephone. Upper management intimidates me when they catch me off guard. I’m not very friendly due to my shy tendencies. All of these “flaws” have been challenged in the past 24 hours and all of these “flaws” will soon be distant memories of the Jess that was.

I’ve realized how easy it is to sit on the side line and do what I’m comfortable with – watch the game…cheer others on…and do what I know how to do. I’ve realized how hard it is to stand up on the side line and take the first step toward the field. I’ve realized how scary it is to be walking up to bat. I’ve realized how anxious one can get when standing at the plate watching the ball floating in the air between the pitcher and yourself. But I’ve now realized how good it feels to swing the bat and to my surprise, hit the ball. The ball might not go far, but there was contact. And now it’s time to run the bases. My heart is racing with excitement and when I’m now standing safely on first base, I can’t wait for the chance to run to second.

That’s life. That’s stepping out of your comfort zone. That’s taking a chance. That’s letting go. That’s having faith. That’s making every day count. That’s living on purpose. That’s…a life changing moment.

My old boss would give me an assignment and ask me if I’m comfortable doing it or do I need someone to walk me through it. She opened the door for self doubt. She asked me if I wanted to play the game or cheer from the sideline. My new boss gave me an assignment. He gave me papers and told me to report when it’s done and sent me on my way. No chance to say “but I don’t know how” or “but I’m not sure”…”but it’s my first day…” He came up to me, handed me a bat and a helmet and said “suit up, you’re on deck.” I had no choice. And to my surprise, and probably mine only, I hit the ball. I guess that’s the difference between a coordinator and a manager. That’s how people get the corner office with a window rather than a hidden cubicle. Everyone knew I could do it except me.

I’ve learned one thing new – I’ll never know the things I can do if I never try new things.