It’s really a question of attitude and thought process. I have a choice.
I can decide to listen to the part of me that prefers to retreat into retention of what was. Or, I can lean into an expectation of better things to come. Fearing encroachments from unknown threats that may lurk in the darkness of tomorrow, I can build protecting and controlling walls. Or, I can put my face into the exhilarating breeze of change and go for it.
The wisdom of the Bible strongly favors one of these approaches over the other. Of the legendary models of faith written about in Hebrews chapter 11, it states: “If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead they were longing for a better country...” They heroically did not strive to conserve the past.
These folks don’t have all the answers. In fact, they are said to operate in the realm of the unseen-hoped-for-but-not-yet-realized. By nature they are risk takers and adventurers. They listen to the inner voice that says, “Yes, you can,” refusing to be governed by fears that say, “No, you can’t.” One approach is vigorous and optimistic. The other is grumpy, negative and overly cautious.
The Bible celebrates those whose outlook makes them generous, not hoarders; welcoming, not excluding. They see enemies as potential friends, rather than evil combatants. They give freely when others withhold. Some choose to live with arms extended outward in open embrace. Others pull their hands into their vest and extend only a cold shoulder. According to the scriptures, the givers gain while the hoarders lose (See Proverbs 11:24-25).
For 2008 I have set before me the goal of being quick to identify the voice born of fear that calls me back into self protective behaviors of a controlling, overly cautious nature. In matters of personal growth and relational health that voice, I have discovered, is almost always a liar. I've been duped by it too many times. Instead, I hope to develop ears for the voice of hope that welcomes tomorrow and believes the best is yet to come and actively participate in making it so.
