"Mom, watch this!"
I heard this sweet command multiple times on our recent vacation. My head turned, or looked up, to find one of my sons trying to jump high enough to touch something just out of reach. One time Dylan took three huge leaps, then jumped to touch a beam above his head. Robbie tried to jump straight up to touch the low-hanging covering over a walkway. Josh (my 6'3", 16-year-old) just stood on tippy toes to touch his target.
As I watched them stretch, strain and try repeatedly to touch something beyond their grasp, I compared myself to them. I can't remember the last time I took a running jump to try and touch the ceiling. Is it gravity and a 40-something body that unite to discourage my attempts? Is it that I just don't care enough to see how high I can jump? Or, maybe I give up before I even try?
I wonder if there's something deeper here. Am I the only one who doesn't even try at times. Is it possible that some of us just stop trying to reach what looks to be out of our reach. Instead of backing up and going for our dreams with a running leap, do we just shrug our shoulders and keep walking ... thinking maybe the jumping and leaping is for other people who have a better chance? Or maybe we are just too tired.
One time I did try and see how high I could jump. It was painful at times, but it was worth it. I wasn't seeing if I could touch the ceiling, I wanted to write a book.
To be honest, it was hard to share that dream with others. One time I did, a friend said "Aren't there lots of books on that subject?" Another time when my dream seemed close to coming true, I told lots of friends. Only to have to go back and tell them all it was a false alarm.
I think that's a big reason why we are afraid to jump ... others will see us fall short.
Next week I'll be going to She Speaks. This is a highlight of my year. I love every minute of that conference. But I know there will be many women who are clutching a dream tight to their chests, afraid to even speak it ... afraid to reach ... afraid to jump. Maybe even regretting for a moment they signed up. But they are there. And I am SO PROUD OF THEM!
Here's one thing I know: God planted that desire in my sons to see how high they can jump. And God planted that desire in all those women attending She Speaks. And God planted a desire in you too.
Do you have a dream you've hidden in your heart? Maybe it's time to see how high can you jump.
Love,
Glynnis
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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6 comments:
Thanks for this Glynnis. I was just praying about this on my walk this morning - my dream of ever being published.
I am praying for you as you are getting ready to love on those women at the conference. May God grant you what you need for each moment.
Blessings,
Pearls
I'm one of those women holding a dream. Definitely doubting my sanity in registering for She Speaks, wondering if I could possibly have anything to say to encourage others. Thank you for the reminder that it was God who planted my desire to go in the first place.
I'm praying for you today: for your preparation for the conference, for your family while you're preparing and in your absence, and that you will be blessed in blessing others. Thank you so much for your willingness to be used by God!
Deanna
Your words encouraged my weary heart today. Thank you! I will see how high I can jump at She Speaks. I look forward to seeing you. Blessings!
Glynnis, I certainly hope I get to meet you at She Speaks! I enjoy reading your blog, but don't often take the time to comment. I am so excited about gleaning wisdom from you and the other P31 women. You are all such an inspiration to me to keep going when I feel discouraged. When I feel the urge to write and can't seem to be able to break away from life to do it. When I feel overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy. I am so hoping She Speaks gives me the direction and knowledge I need so badly as I pursue this dream I have had for so many years. I just somehow know it will!
Praying for God's blessing on you as you prepare for the conference.
Love,
Starr
Glynnis this is such an encouragement! I have taken a huge leap of faith in registering for "She Speaks" this year. My fear of flying had silenced my dream, but God and I are travelling together next weekend and I'm trusting in Him. I'm terrified...but I'm jumping into His arms and desiring to find joy in my big God!
Your words have brought such hope to my heart. Thank you,
Joy
Glynnis, what a great analogy! I had the privilege of attending a breaking session with you last year - just loved it! I won't be there this year in body, but in spirit. May you feel his peace and love as you are miles away from your boys and family, yet right next to them in your hearts.
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