When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:21
As I’ve been taking the pup for a walk in the morning this past week, I’ve been getting some inspiration and motivation. I’ve always gotten it in the outdoors, but I’ve upped my game. My great aunt taught me you shouldn’t waste time. If she could drive and read, I can walk and read!
Wait a minute, stop, please hear me on this…do NOT read while you drive! Do NOT text while you drive. Do not be distracted while you drive. That wasn’t smart, but she knew before the tape players, the cd players, the USB thingies, and whatever technology that has you learning as you’re moving, that she needed to stop wasting time.
I’m done wasting time. Walking and listening to the wildlife is not wasting time. Walking and talking to God is not wasting time. Walking and listening for God’s still, small voice (or his quite loud scolding in your head) is not wasting time.
Replaying a conversation that you aren’t happy about is wasting time. Stewing about something you have to do is wasting time. Thinking on a situation that isn’t fair is wasting time. I’m done wasting time! I’ve gone through the valley long enough that it’s enough! I’m looking ahead and not looking back. I’m seeing what God has for my future instead of stumbling over where I’ve been.
So, where does that leave me? I walk my pup down the road while having something in my hand that I’m reading and pondering. It leaves me having a full out loud conversation every now and then as I walk down the road. I talk to myself and I’ll even share my thoughts with the pup when they’re really good because he’s so attentive and cares what I have to say. I share my “feelings” aloud with God who’s patient enough to listen.
Most people could care less what I’m doing, but the few that give me that strange look can just think, “Boy, that pup gets quite a few commands from her!” Ha, nope, but if that’s what people want to believe, it keeps them from thinking I’ve lost my mind.
Yes, hubby…I’m still alert to my surroundings as I’m walking, reading, talking, and listening. I know that I’m not amazingly graceful in doing two things at once, but it’s amazing how I can get filled up with wisdom and knowledge plus walk without stumbling…most of the time. Although thinking back, did I miss the snake that was hit on the road? I don’t think it was lying there the first time I went through…no worries…I’m sure it came out of the woods after I passed that area!
I feel so good when I’m walking and being productive and filling myself with good things that the neighbors get the benefit. I send them off to their jobs with a smile and a wave. I greet them with a cheery good morning. They either accept it and get happy or I make them wonder what I’m up to. Either one works for me! They can’t say I didn’t at least try to get that sour expression off their face. When I do something positive and come back to the house, I’m invigorated and ready for school! I’m ready to take on the world!
This was really about what I learned on my walk the other day, but as I often do, since I’m getting my spunk back, I got off track. Wasn’t it a good track to take though? Sorry, maybe it was the caffeine I had this morning…I don’t usually have caffeine. I’ll talk about what this post was really supposed to be about in my next one…I did touch on it though.
I challenge you not to be too concerned what others think about you as you go about growing …and talking aloud. Do what Jesus would’ve done. Oh, oh, do you remember WWJD? Go ahead, I dare you! Even Jesus had his family say that He was out of his mind. Stop for one day being concerned what others think of you and what others are doing.
Keep growing and keep learning. Oh, and still be aware of your surroundings. Remember to be productive and just give that stuff that could put you in a bad mood while keeping you down over to God. Focus on where He has you going, not where you’ve been. Greet your neighbors with a smile and wave or even a cheery hello!
When we’re doing what our Father wants us to do, our own family and neighbors might think that we’re out of our minds, but in actuality we’re right on track. We’re just done wasting time! As Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
