“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help … Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought” (James 1:5-6 MSG).
“You know what killed that squirrel?” my husband Dan mused as we drove through our Arkansas neighborhood.
Duh, I thought, a car ran over him.
“Indecision,” he explained.
Dan always seems to think in black or white terms, no grey areas. “If you don’t like carrots, don’t eat them. If you hate working as a secretary, find another job.”
“Indecision?” I exclaimed. “Wait a minute! Are you comparing me to that squirrel?”
Dan and I are living proof that opposites attract in relationships, especially marriage. But after 41 years of marriage, I think I’m finally learning a few decisive tricks from my husband—like how to organize my office and how to follow through on my dreams.
Confusion. For example, every year I make several New Year’s resolutions. But I’m usually like my friend, the squirrel—before he became road kill. My mind darts around as doubts and fears plague me. Is this plan even possible? What about my failure to follow through on all those other resolutions? Will this just be another waste of my time and resources?
Matthew 6:27 asks, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Could my worry and indecision close the doors to many of my dreams and my plans?
Revelation. Jeremiah 29:11 promises, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you” (NIV).
Can I discover God’s plans for my life as I seek Him in prayer? Could it be that simple?
God’s Word says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you…” (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
Resolution. What have I resolved for 2013? Well, I’ve decided to not worry about making another New Year’s resolution. In fact, I’m still not sure about some of those projects that I’ve been dodging. And I know that I can’t do anything about my failures in the past.
But I am certain of one thing–if I seek God’s Kingdom above all else, He promises to give me everything I need (Matt. 6:33).
Have you made a firm decision to do or not to do something this year?
WordServe Water Cooler 
I don’t really think in terms of resolutions but in terms of focus. Each year, there are new or additional things I need to focus on. Last year a big focus was dropping 55 pounds. This year it is about fine tuning my body. AND building in more relaxation time into my life as I have a tendency to be racing through my day from the moment I get up till the time I collapse into bed.
Where is my indecision? In my writing. Which I haven’t done since June of last year. I appear to be on a writing sabbatical while I focus on other areas of life—health of course, and taking up banjo once again (which I shoved in a closet ten years ago and promptly lost whatever skill I’d developed. Sigh….).
Hopefully the skill loss won’t be as bad with the writing! 😎 But I decided that I can’t pursue my writing career at a pace or in a way that someone else dictates. It has to be based on what’s best for me. God will let me know when it’s time to dip my pen in the inkwell again.
Sounds like you’re gathering stories and wisdom as you wait on God’s timing. Smart move! Blessings!
What a nice reminder, Karen, to jump-start my new week. That verse from Jeremiah is my favorite. This past New Year’s I’ve actually made a slight change to my outside-workweek so I can make more time for my writing, learning that outside pressures to “achieve” can and will pull one away from God’s otherwise direction.
Elaine, I agree. I’m learning to ignore the outside pressures; they only cause detractions to discerning God’s will. And yes, sometimes that also means that I need to rearrange my schedule to make time for writing. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you, Karen, for the reminder in James 1:5-6. That’s what I need to do!
Blessings,
Heather Villa
Thank you, Heather. Btw, I’m not sure why I still fall into the trap of trying to write without asking God for direction. But often I get caught up in the busy-ness of life, and I fail to stop and pray for guidance.
People like me sometimes need Dan’s black and white perspective. Don’t like your job as a secretary….
Once again, your tender voice of wisdom speaks louder than you know. Looking forward to seeing the culmination of some of your decisions this year. Many blessings as you go about our Father’s business.
Hi Anita! I figured that you might relate to that little tidbit of wisdom from Dan. Thanks again for your encouragement and friendship!
Life can easily intrude on our writing goals. Your post is a nice reminder to stand resolute.
Janalyn – Yes, I think it’s important to be on guard for life’s intrusion; they often sneak up on me and trip me up. Thanks for your reminder to hang in there when life gets in the way.