“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
(Isaiah 43:19, NIV)
Robed in white, I secured my personal belongings in a dark mahogany locker and waited my turn. The dimmed lights and soft music suggested a spa atmosphere instead of a medical facility. This would be one of my forty new experiences.
All of a sudden I felt grown up. When did that happen? I was about to experience a rite of passage for all women. Lisa, the technician called my name. Cinching my robe tighter, I shuffled into her dark lair.
Often, I use humor when facing awkward situations. I exclaimed with apprehensive excitement, “Congratulations Lisa, you made my list! I’ve decided to try forty new things this year and you, my dear are part of it!” Curious, Lisa asked about my list.
Over the next several minutes I went on to explain that I’ve decided to try forty new things this year! Forty new things, because I will turn forty-years-old this year.
I shared with Lisa, earlier this year our pastor, offered this challenge: “You should never stop taking first steps.” A few days later I heard Steven Furtick, pastor of Elevation Church, utter these words: “You cannot fulfill God’s calling in your life from your comfort zone.” Like flies on sticky tape, those two statements clung to my mind.
Leaning forward Lisa asked, “How many things do you have on your list?” “Around twenty five,” I replied “maybe a few more, not bad considering it’s only June right?”
I shared how embracing the title as a writer was my first new step for 2015.
“April, I’m so glad I met you. What else is on your list?” Sensing I needed to lighten the mood (mine not hers) I spoke of our recent cruise to the Bahamas, our first cruise with the kids. We snorkeled in the Caribbean and swam at the Atlantis. During mealtime my kids suggested I order the strangest item on the menu touting “Mom, remember new things.” So I ate fried alligator, which you guessed it, tasted like chicken.
Forgetting the reason I was in this medical office, I laughed about celebrating my friend’s fiftieth birthday over dinner at Cedars of Lebanon and participating in my first Paint-Nite. This was a double hitter of first new experiences. Lisa asked for my contact information and I gladly offered her my card. It was time to get down to the reason I was there.
This will be the first of several posts chronically my new forty new things. I hope you return to learn what else God has up his holy sleeve!
“For we live by faith not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV)
Trying something new requires the initial hesitate step outside our comfort zone. God is teaching me to step out in faith and let Him take care of the outcomes.
What new steps do you feel nudged to take? Let’s talk, reply below.
~April
Connect with me email redchairmoments@gmail.com