“As I look back on my life, I realized that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better.”

Annonymous

Earlier this year I attended a small gathering of women with my daughter-in-law, Jill, and my granddaughter, Kenya. It was sponsored by a Christian lady who had just started a unique small business. She is an artist and has groups of women join her in her studio to show them how to paint a picture even if they’ve had no experience with painting and (as is my case) have no artistic skills. There were about 15 of us and we had a great time learning to paint a beautiful butterfly.

Near the end of the evening the host shared with us her thoughts and expectations for her business which are to give women from all walks of life a time to have fun together, believe in themselves, and share with others. This was in June so all of us had been experiencing lots of uncertainty in our individual worlds because of COVID. After she shared she asked each of us to share what we felt God was showing us during this season.

As each one of us shared our thoughts and fears and ways of finding encouragement during this season, one lady’s comment really spoke to me. This is what she said:

I believe the Lord has shown me that I (and I believe many people) have been traveling the wrong path in life. I have decided that now is the time to get back on the right path. I have known what that is but have not lived it like I know I should. I am thankful for this season that is shaking me enough to make the necessary changes in my life.

WOW!!! All of us looked at each other knowing she couldn’t have spoken truer words. What I understood her to say is this: don’t waste this season of shaking but look inside yourself to see if you need to make some changes in the direction you are heading.

AM I ON THE RIGHT PATH OR DO I NEED A COURSE CORRECTION?

There is nothing like change and uncertainty to expose our weaknesses and vulnerable places. This year has given us a chance to see how we handle and respond to crisis in our life. Many of us have been shaken to our core and we’ve noticed that our choices in life haven’t put us on a secure path, but instead, have revealed a very crooked and bumpy path that doesn’t support us or bring us fulfillment when everything around us changes and becomes unfamiliar.

STEPS TO GET BACK ON A SECURE PATH.

Here are just two steps to get you going. First and foremost, be honest with yourself. I believe each of knows where we have gone wrong and how to begin to change. Maybe it’s as simple as forgiving someone in your life that results in opening a door back to family and friends you’ve walked away from. Sometimes it’s coming back to Jesus with a heart of repentance. Don’t hesitate…..just take action and do what you know you need to do.

WHEN YOU ARE FULFILLING YOUR PURPOSE YOUR PATH BECOMES SECURE.

Next is to begin to step into that dream you have hesitated pursuing because of limitations you have put on yourself. I want to tell you something today, YOU ABLE and YOU ARE QUALIFIED to do what has been in your heart to do. As you take that first step; maybe it’s calling someone you know can help, or writing that first blog. Maybe it’s filming and posting that first vlog, or taking a class to begin to prepare. Just take one step. After the first one, the second one will be easier.

Stability comes when you are walking the path God has planned for your life.

Remember the lady I talked about in the beginning of this post. She had the courage to take those steps to start her business right in the middle of the COVID crisis! It was a great success that night! I know her vision was seen by all of us that attended and we were blessed to be there. And we all got to take home our beautiful picture of a butterfly.

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TODAY TO GET ON THE CORRECT PATH. DO WHAT YOU KNOW YOU ARE CALLED TO DO. YOUR WORLD NEEDS YOU AND YOU NEED TO FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE. (And I can’t wait to hear about it!!)