Sunday, March 28, 2010

Confessions of a Fence~Dweller. . .

I admit it. I like the fence. I am comfortable there. I mean, really, it works for me. I don't have to be too far one way or the other. I can be right in the middle.

I can be this. . .

But, I can also be that. . .

And, all of this because I am in sitting comfortably smack dab in the middle of the fence. A pleaser to the core ~ that is me!!! I like approval. I like it a lot ~ makes me feel good, valued. And, the fence is good for that. The fence is safe. Since I'm not really too much this or too much that, I am just enough of everything to not really stand out or give reason for disapproval. It is a safe place, and I like it.


So, today I confess publicly that. . .

I. like. the. fence.


But, over the years I have discovered that there is a problem with my love affair with the fence.

And, the problem is that. . .


Jesus isn't quite as fond of the fence as I am.


In fact, I don't think He likes it much at all. :-(

A month or so ago, Jesus and I had this conversation as I drove my van full of little boys down the road. . .

Me: God, just tell me what to do, and I'll do it!!! You know that I will do anything that You tell me to do ~ whether or not it is what I want. If I know for certain, it is what You want, then I will do it!! So, please do not be silent! Speak Your thoughts to my heart! I want what You want!!

His answer: I know you well. I know your pleaser heart. I know that if I write the answer in the sky you will do what I say.

But, I'm not going to do that, and this is why. . .

I want you to take a risk.

I want you to get off the fence.

One way or the other, it doesn't really matter, I will be beside you. What you decide is not my main concern. I just want you to jump ~ no looking back. Put your fears behind you and take a risk.

Make a decision, either way, and walk boldly in it.

Stop wavering and swaying and being tossed about like the double-minded man in James.

Get off the fence.

And, stand firm in the confidence that only I can give you.

That is what I am asking of you.

9 comments:

Tyna said...

Yikes!!

Sarah said...

Praying for you, sweet friend. The other side of the fence is really nice, I promise :)

Unknown said...

When I feel like that, I take comfort in knowing that God said he will uphold us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). He is not only there to catch us but to lift us up as well.

Take care,
Stephanie

Jenny said...

I'm in full agreement with Sarah. :)

Kim said...

The fence will give you splinters too ;)

I am praying for you as well ... so glad you are sharing this process of faith building! Such a beautiful thing :)

Rebecca said...

This was a GREAT post!

Yesterday in Sunday School, the teacher taught on the verse "Whoever is not with me is against me."

Yep, I was convicted, too!

Jenna Lane said...

whoa, hello! if this blog was any more pertinent to my life, I might spontaneously combust!!

AW said...

Arrggghhh!!! I so do NOT like this post. Nothing personal to you Erin, as I come here almost daily to read your funny stories and wisdom.

Just a little too close to home, thankewverrymuch.

*sigh*

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

Great post, and oh how I can relate!


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Hi! I live in a sweet country home overflowing with love and laughter. I have been blessed to journey these days beside a man that I love, respect, and admire. He is my soul-mate and best friend. Together we are seeking to raise our seven children to be lovers of God, to be wise and discerning, and to be all that our sweet God created them to be.



 

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