Hello, Friends! It has obviously been awhile since I have posted anything, and there are lots of good reasons for that. Really just one. NightLight.
A year ago, NightLight International decided that they wanted to launch a new location in Branson, Mo. Even more crazy than that, they decided that they wanted me to launch the location. NightLight addresses the issue of sexual exploitation through prevention, intervention, restoration, and education. You can find out more about NightLight here.
What is true is that I have used the launch of this location as an excuse to hide out. I want to tell you that I’ve just been too busy to blog, or hang out, or build new relationships, or invest time in hobbies. And there is a part of that, that would be true. What is also true is that in the last four years, I’ve changed, I’ve traveled the world, I’ve moved a lot, I’ve believed in lots of truth and lots of lies, and I’ve been deeply hurt. That hurt, and those lies, have given me a great excuse to use NightLight as a way to hide out.
Launching NightLight Branson is by far one of the hardest things I have ever done. It consumes the majority of my time. I mean, I am not really sure what free time even looks like anymore. That’s a choice I consistently make. I think its true that we make time for things that matter the most to us. I love my job. I love what God has called me to do for this season. I feel the weight to steward and lead this ministry well. So because of my love for NightLight and for sharing the gospel, I will spend a ton of my time, effort, and heart on it. I also know that I can’t hide behind it anymore.
When I hide out, I lose sight of things that are true about me. I’ve stopped dreaming about what could be next, I’ve forgotten how to have fun, and most importantly I have forgotten how to rest. Am I saying I am going to jump back into all the old things I was part of before? Not even for a second. I never loved some of those things to begin with. I hope it does mean a little more blogging, because I have been blown away by all the cool conversations that have come from this. What I plan to do is seek out God a lot, ask for tons of grace, and step out with boldness into things that could hurt, but also could bring great joy.
“You’ve got to forget about all the other stuff. You’ve got to forget about logic and fear and doubt. You just got to do everything you can to get to the one woman whose going to make all of this worth it. At the end of the day, you gotta jump.”
Jim Halpert – The Office
Jim is obviously referring to a romantic relationship in the above quote. I feel like it totally applies to this season of my life. I have to forget about all the other stuff because nothing matters as much as being in a deeper relationship with my maker, and experiencing the fullness of abundant life. And at the end of the day, that’s really why I can’t hide out anymore.
So what about you?
Ever been in this season?
What do you hide behind? Marriage? Kids? Your job?
The Comments
Leisa
I have been hiding behind a move, and another move. Behind the excuse of trying to find a new church, then the excuse of sitting back and observing (a bit jaded) those in the church we may have found. I’ve been hiding behind my children, my home, my husband. Recently, God pointed out that I’d been wandering…like the Israelites…whining and complaining and walking in circles. But, no more, it’s time to find direction again…and to move on! Love your heart, good stuff!
Mindy Stewart
LeisaHey Leisa! Thanks for sharing. You make me feel less broken. Love you!
Jennifer V
Mindy StewartIt’s when I hide from the world , and shut out the noise that I get closest to God. Perhaps you’ve grown more in your “hiding” than you think you have. If you are avoiding the things you love for fear of being hurt or not wanting to ‘waste’ your time , then yes , that is unhealthy. If God is just shifting your perception of what’s really important in life , then your ‘hiding’ is a good thing.