Adios, “If”

Sometimes, I think that God is using a megaphone to speak to me. It happened again last week. Over the course of several days, I heard a message repeated through several friends: stop saying “if”. When I hear a theme like that over and over, I know it’s something I am meant to hear. And probably also meant to share.

Here are some of my conclusions:

–Having an “if” outlook can keep me on the sidelines of life. Living tentatively. Not fully engaged. “Safe.” I would have missed out on some of the greatest joys and blessings in my life (including becoming a mother) by listening to the “if’s.” 

–Clinging to “if” is often driven by fear. It generally means that I’ve allowed worry, simmering just below the surface, to overtake my thoughts.  The “what if’s” almost never happen. But I miss out on being fully engaged in the present when gripped by worry.

–It’s a way to protect myself. To guard my heart from disappointment. It sounds rational and reasonable…as though I have fully thought through the possibilities. In reality, I’m trying to insulate myself from potential hurt and heartbreak that accompany an unrealized dream.

–”If” reflects a lack of trust in God. It shows that I’m not fully believing that a dream He has planted in my heart is going to be realized. I believe God wants me to be “all in” as I pursue my goals and dreams. And what if those goals and dreams need to change? Just as a navigational system automatically reroutes, God will redirect my steps.

–”If” keeps me from being productive. By thinking (sometimes, even obsessing) about Plan B (the “if”), I’m distracted from doing everything I can to make Plan A happen.

I want to  fully experience this great adventure of life.  And that means I need to say adios, “if!” Anyone want to join me?