Over the summer the girls and I were lucky enough to get the chance to serve the elderly through a project at our church. We visited a local nursing home and the girls met residents and created art with them. Seeing these seniors smile and engage with the youngsters from our church was nothing less than heartwarming. After several sessions, the church held an art gala at the nursing home for the residents and the families from our church to attend. The day of the gala my oldest daughter was in a particularly and uncharacteristic grumpy mood. She didn't want to participate and wanted to cling behind my back. I pulled her to the side tucked my arm around her little waist and whispered, "sweetie, sometimes you have get out of your own way and do what's right for those around you. These residents are happy you, especially you, are here. God would want you to celebrate with them." Reluctantly, she went over to a resident who she had crafted with and smiled when she reached out for a hug. Later she told me she was glad she was able to look outside of herself and make room for others (in much simpler, sweeter terms).
As soon as those words popped out of my mouth "get out of your own way," I knew I've been guilty of not doing this. I think back to when I made a grade level move that I didn't want. I'm ashamed now of how selfishly I acted. Thankfully, I was able to look beyond me, and see in the faces of six year olds, why I was where I was. I wish, though, I had been able to do that initially. It would have saved me a lot of uncomfortable emotions. Or maybe the time, I stood silent at a memorial service, when I wanted to speak. I ended up using this blog to share the words I still wish I could have shared that day. There are lessons we pass to our littles that are often lessons we are still learning. Learning to get out of my own way is one of those lessons.
What about the times, I did decide let go and let God? Well, I was able to enjoy a pregnancy after a horrible scare. I am able to share the Bible and sing and dance with toddlers and preschoolers on Sundays. We live and work in a community where we've been welcomed with open arms. I've made some of my best adult friends through church, work, scouts, and through the children that once sat in my classroom. My life is so much better for the times I got out of my own way.What's holding you back? Is it you? Is there something God is leading your towards that you are standing still on? My hope for this new {school} year is that I'm able to see beyond myself ... for the little ones I tuck in each night, and the eighteen I get for 180 days. We get one chance to do this life. I want to do it right.
