What’s Next and “What a Year”?

Whew, it’s been a year (as in the last 12 months)! A year of so many changes and so much growth and now it’s time for even more change and more growth! And I’m ready for it; in fact I’m craving it and what an amazing feeling. Not knowing exactly what’s next and where God will lead me, but knowing that He’s got a plan and I am ready for the journey! I am currently without a business/career, without a church to call home (too much detail to get into here), but not without hope for my future!

What’s Next; I Should Know!

It’s so weird for someone like me who is such a control freak to be so open to life without a plan of my own. Some days it’s tough, I’m not gonna lie. I feel useless and of no help at all to Warren as he carries all of the weight of our livelihood. But most days, I feel such relief. Free from the stress of determining “what’s next” and an inner peace that I’ve never known before. And what a gift that is! Letting go of all that control that I’ve held so tightly to for so many years is the most rewarding experience. And an experience that I highly recommend to anyone who is ready and/or willing to accept the gift!

Waiting; The Struggle is Not so Real!

And so I wait for what’s next. Not for some lightning bolt from the sky or booming voice from above. But here I sit waiting for that slight nudge from the Holy Spirit leading me to my next step. The step that has been lit; my indicator to move forward. No more doubt, no more confusion, no more questioning; I will know because He will enlighten me.

For me, this stuff normally happens in the morning as I’m getting ready for the day or during the still hours of the night when I’ve suddenly awoken and can’t return to sleep. There is again, that peace that fills me and then I know. It’s also at that same time that I can look back over my shoulder at the past and it is lit just as brightly. When everything makes sense now and the way forward is one additional step towards future clarity.

A Proper Perspective on
What’s Next

Several months ago, I participated in a women’s study on Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer (I love me some Priscilla; her writing and speaking style always encourages me!) There were so many great takeaways and I highly recommend the study if you haven’t already done it yourself. Here’s an applicable takeaway I’ll share now though:

“Stop frantically searching for God’s will; start frantically searching for God Himself. And as you do, trust that He will bear the responsibility to show you what He wants you to do and how He wants you to do it. He will speak through His Holy Spirit and His Word to reveal Himself to you, realign you to His perspective, and refocus you on His purposes. Do you part, and let Him do His.”

“Do your part”…that’s all I have to do and He will do the rest. Wow, talk about a stress relief! And my small part is to seek a closer relationship to Him. Through time in the Bible daily, through prayer, and through a dedication to perceiving His presence in every day life, no matter how small the moment. (I talked about this in another post here). Oh and maintaining a constant sense of gratitude for God’s grace through Jesus’ sacrifice for me; there is that!

More What’s Next!

For me, spending time in building my awareness and knowledge through additional resources is important too. I’m a researcher, delver, and all around pursuer. I seek to read, listen, and watch people that are far smarter and faithful than I am, in order to grow spiritually. But these additional resources are never in place of “The” resource; that’s all God all of the time! He is my ultimate “go to”!

So yeah, that’s what I’m up to these days. I know, terribly exciting. But if you are in this same place or feeling that nudge to let go and do your own waiting, go for it! God’s got this!

Take care and take time!
Shelley

P.S. We did this…

We recently purchased a vintage travel trailer (it’s 40 years old vintage!) And so yes, another project and oh yeah, it came with a not-as-old-and-cool GMC Yukon that won’t get out of 2nd gear thrown into the deal! So here we go with another project! The reno adventures never end with us; I think it’s safe to say we like this stuff!