Nothing is cast in concrete.
A simple reminder that has helped me time and time again to get out of my own way and try new and different things on for size.
But the flip side of this is that I don’t like to try at things. There is an invisible line somewhere that divides the things that I believe one must remain faithful and consistent to versus the things that you can experiment with and have some fun with. Where is this line and how do we learn to draw it?
Nothing is Cast in Concrete
Have you heard of the paralysis of analysis? Where you consider, evaluate, and ponder something excessively. Usually it is something small and rather inconsequential such as whether or not to rearrange a room or try a new product or bake a new recipe.
How about just go for it? Give it a try! If you don’t end up liking it, put the room back how it was, don’t buy the product again or bake that recipe again. It’s pretty simple! Nothing is cast in concrete and just because you try it once doesn’t mean you are committed for life.
My sister and I run into this at the shop. Whether we’re talking decorating, displaying inventory, hosting an event, etc. We can get so hung up considering it. Then one of us reminds the other that the decision doesn’t have to be as difficult as we are making it, just choose one way or the other and proceed.
Other times, we get quite hung up in a decision because we see it completely oppositely. Often the decision doesn’t need to be made right away so we can leave it and come back to it when we aren’t feeling so strongly opposed. But if time is of the essence, then we are good to choose one or the other of us to make the call. Not that that means one of us loses, so to speak, but rather that we need to move forward and we both can’t have it our own way.
Don’t Try At Things
If you’re going to commit to something, commit fully. Determine the level of importance and then give it your all. This being said, not all things can have the highest priority in life.
For instance, when trying to find beauty products I like, I try different things. I don’t feel the need to commit to using Maybelline (or some such) my whole life. I’ll try Maybelline, then maybe L’Oreal, Stila, or YSL. I compare and contrast quality and cost and product and decide on which is my favorite.
But when it comes to important things, it is vital to give it your all. I can’t help but think of Scripture:
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,… – Col. 3:23
If God has led you to open a business, give it your best. Work on that business as if it is a mission direct from God Himself. He has us serve Him in so many different ways, it is important that whatever we pursue we reflect Him well.
Maybe He has directed you to raise a family, teach your children at home, support your local law enforcement, etc. Listen for His leading, ask Him to direct your steps. And when He presents a mission to you, don’t try at it. Pursue it faithfully and enthusiastically. Most things are only for a time so live this time fully.
Often I look back and think of the good, old days. I remember the highlights, the time with family and friends, the joy of new opportunities, the hope of what was ahead. But lately I’ve been reminded that as much as I look forward to what’s ahead, I want to enjoy the here and now. These are the good, old days we are living in and we should appreciate them for what they are!
Drawing Your Invisible Line
So how do you draw the line between the things you should be faithful and consistent in and the things that aren’t cast in concrete? This is an excellent question and one I’m constantly evaluating myself. There’s no magic answer, but perhaps there are some guidelines to help us determine this.
Consider the level of importance:
Life changing decisions such as moving, entering a serious relationship, buying property or a business, running for office of some sort, etc, are big decisions, not to be made lightly. These typically aren’t the types of things you sign up for frivolously and play at doing.
Prayer, counsel, and careful consideration are vital. True, though you may commit, they will most likely only be for a season, not the rest of your life. You might buy property only to turn around and sell it, a business might just be for the next decade or so, etc. About the only thing that ideally is for the rest of your life would be marriage. Even raising a family is only for a season as the little ones grow up.
Try it on for size:
The number of things that I laugh at myself over for not having tried sooner. For instance, buying a tagging gun for my clothing company, yes, a $12 tagging gun. I agonized and put off ordering it for weeks and months. Money was tight and I just couldn’t decide if it would be worth it.
So in the interim I used ribbon to hand tie each tag to each garment hanger to mark size and price. This was such a lengthy process as the ribbon was too large for the tag hole and required some manipulating to make it work. One day, probably after a particularly lengthy tagging process, I finally bit the bullet and order the tagging gun. Oooh. My. Goodness.
What a lesson in not letting the little things go undecided. Buying that tagging gun was practically life changing! Why oh why did I agonize over it and wait so long?!
So my advice to you? When it comes to the tagging guns in your life, just give it a try. Taking action can have huge rewards! True, not every single thing may have the same impact on your life as the tagging gun has had on mine, but the ones that do will be incredible!
You never know what you can do until you try. And very few try unless they have to. – C.S. Lewis
Those little things you’ve been considering, say a prayer and then go for them. God is so good to direct our steps if we will follow His lead. He will help you draw your invisible line and give you wisdom for what He has for you to do if you ask!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/