Chasing WonderSample

Day 3: Wonder Blockers

By nature, we are programmed to play it safe. You know, “Safety first,” and “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and all of that. We lace up our boots tightly so we don’t twist an ankle. We wear steel-toed shoes to protect our feet. I wonder, why are we so risk averse? Why are we so concerned about getting our toes stepped on? Of course, no one wants to be hurt, and we do need to protect ourselves from serious harm. We need to be wise and set healthy, protective boundaries. But when we avoid all risk and relegate ourselves to the safe and familiar, our adventures will be limited to living vicariously through Game of Thrones or Dora the Explorer.

If you don’t risk twisting an ankle, you’ll never come around a corner on a winding path to discover a beautiful clearing of wildflowers overlooking a spectacular mountain vista. If you are afraid to get your toes stepped on, you’ll never drop your guard enough to connect with that person who may change your life, or you theirs. It’s time to take off those comforting, protective, steel-toed boots that are keeping the world out and step into the wonderful unknown. After all, if you get your toes stepped on, you will survive.

We can become trapped by what others expect, by self-imposed limitations, even by our own success and comfort, or by our past, but today can be a new beginning for you. It is time to risk joy and pain, to allow yourself to make mistakes, to make room in your life for the adventures God has for you – to learn and to stand in awe.

Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” How will we ever know when we eat the same things day after day? Branch out, try something new, shrug off the impossible and reach for the unknown fruit at the top of the trees, then taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

So, what is keeping you from your next steps, from the beauty and purpose and wonder God has in store for you? Could it be:

• Your busy schedule

• Fear of the unknown

• Past hurt

• Insecurity

• Lack of motivation

Today, ask yourself what is holding you back. As you do, remember that each one of these things may be understandable but they are not insurmountable, and make a plan to take a step today.