Do you ever get to a critical turning point in life? Something happens, it’s rather fundamental and you know you need to make definite decisions and perhaps some changes. That has happened to me a few times in the past few years. Something a bit earth shattering in my world occurs and it inspires me to hone in a bit more and make deliberate changes and decisions.
Turning points can be really exciting when you keep your attitude right and your focus on God.
Growing Up
The first time I really remember a specific turning point in my life was back when I was in school. I’ve been trained well since day one – or at least as far back as I can remember – but one day, it’s kind of funny to say it, but I got it.
What “it” did I get? That every detail of my life mattered to God. My attitude, my responses, my thoughts, how I treated others, etc. It all had an impact and God knew it all. It was as if a switch flipped and all my years of training finally came together.
God and His Word became so real to me, in a whole new way. I had a deep desire to give Him my best and bring glory to His name!
I remember around this time I began taking walks around our field. This wasn’t a big deal to anyone else, but to those who know me, they knew I didn’t enjoy walks. And suddenly, even in the Florida summer heat, I enjoyed the pause and the chance to be outdoors. It became a little habit and I’d mark down on my planner the goal to do it everyday. Getting outside has long been a precious pause to me, and I can’t help but wonder if this is when it began!
Shifting Gears
I was raised to be a homemaker – and I still hope and pray to be one – but while I wait for this, I want to be a good member of society. So years ago, with a lot of prayer and courage, I set out to grow my clothing business. It has expanded further than I ever dreamed, and it has been beautiful work!
Even though I shifted gears, it is fascinating the principles I learned about homemaking that I can apply to my work. Patience with others, cleanliness, creativity, making things beautiful, hospitality, etc.
Shifting gears to being a boutique owner and barista has definitely been a turning point that I didn’t originally anticipate. But I do love how God throws adventure into our lives when we give our best and live for Him!
Politics and Hard Conversations
Did you cringe just a bit reading that paragraph heading? Politics and hard conversations. I do my best not to shy away from either one – but I also do my best not to be one to wave red flags in front of bulls.
Hard conversations are just that – hard. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t good and necessary. I had to really think about what made them hard and decide if that is worth struggling over. Personally, the more of these conversations I’ve had, the less intimidating they are. These conversations might involve my beliefs, Christian principles, world events, life choices, etc.
Perhaps we could even rename them deep conversations, not hard. And somehow I guess I had gotten out of the habit of having them. But now it seems a good number of them have gone by strengthening that “muscle” I haven’t used in so long.
I don’t feel like a particularly skilled conversationalist, and sometimes when opportunities come my way I want to hide and avoid them. But I’ve learned to say a prayer for God to guide my words and I give it my best! And then I do my best to lean in to these conversations, asking questions and being engaging. This has definitely been a turning point for me!
And then there’s politics…we certainly live in interesting times, don’t we? Good is called bad and bad is good. As Christians, we have got to step up and be the light and overcome this very dark reality. It takes courage, it takes action, and it takes so much more than just remaining silent. As the saying goes, silence in the face of evil is itself evil.
As Christians, let us be courageous and step up for God and country together. This truly strikes me as the most important calling of our lifetime! No weapon formed against us will prevail … with God for us, who dare be against us…? I do believe this is a turning point for our nation and of our lifetime.
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/