Yesterday we went ice skating at a local ice rink during their open skate hours. A had asked the week prior to learn to skate so when given the opportunity I knew she would be excited. The funny thing is that A had never skated before. Her siblings had done some skating at a friends pond but nothing like this. So yesterday all the kids went and honestly I didn’t know what they would think.
On the way there A started on be afraid that she wouldn’t be able to skate. As we talked I kept saying “What is the worse that can happen? You may fall and have to get back up.” Well fall she did, many times in fact. Every time she got back up and kept trying.
Here is a video of the kids skating. A is the turquoise. G is in white.
Today as I was getting ready for the day I was reflecting on yesterday’s adventure. I began thinking of how many times we are apprehensive to try something new. Then I thought about meeting new people and the fear of rejection. Often when my kids are in new environments I force them to try to make new friends. I understand they are putting themselves out there but that when you do; it can be worth it. Does it always work like that? No. Although I believe its valuable.
So as I was thinking about this today I was reminded of what Jesus told his disciples when going into new towns. “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.” Matthew 10:11-14 NKJV
Photo by Austin Ban on UnsplashSo my question to you is this:
- Do you put yourself out there?
- Do you try to meet new people or are you afraid?
- Do you try new things or fear failure?
- Do you look at the possible failure first?
- Do you worry about what could happen or what someone might think?
I’ll be honest I struggle with this myself but I’m so blessed that I have put myself out there recently and I have made new friends. I’ve tried new things such as starting this blog. As a mom I want my kids to know that they shouldn’t be afraid of rejection or failure. I want them to know that God says He will never leave them, nor forsake them. (Hebrews 13:5)
Yet we need to also realize when things don’t go well or when people are not kind we must be like the disciples and dust ourselves off. Sometimes we need to pick ourselves up first. Paul was left for dead after being stoned, he got up and walked on knowing he had to finish what he was called to do.(Acts 14) We must continue to do what God has called us to do.
My prayer:
Lord I thank you for all that you are and all that you have done for us. Please Lord help us to walk with you in all areas of our lives. Direct us to walk into situations knowing you are with us. Guide us to do what you have called us to do. Help us to walk away from times of rejection or failure, dusting ourselves off and keeping our eyes on you. Let us love those we meet and help us to have courage to take up new things. Help us walk in love and not in fear. In Jesus name we pray. Amen