Pursue Your Passion
If there are no children around to corrupt, it’s always dessert first for me. If I run out of room at the end of a meal, I can doggy bag half a sandwich or chicken breast, but if I don’t eat dessert first, I’m not likely to get it at all. I talk myself out of it.
- I’m too full.
- It’s expensive.
- It has too many calories.
- Nevermind.
Boom, I miss out on the deliciousness.
The same thing happens in my everyday life. If I don’t go after the important things, the bucket-list things, the extravagant and hard things, I might run out of time, money, ability and miss out.
Don’t miss out.
My mother-in-law was close to her planned retirement and a long awaited trip to Hawaii with her hubz. She was just days away from realizing all the things she’d waited for until the timing was perfect. When the kids were grown, the house was paid for, her career was a wrap.
Then, poof, her man died of a heart attack.
And so did the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. The dream of leisurely mornings reading the paper and sipping coffee together. And the plans to traipse across America in an RV visiting children and grandchildren along the way.
She’d waited and planned for the perfect timing before living her big dream. And then it was too late.
The day her man died, she said, “Every day is a gift! If you are dreaming of doing something, do it now while you can!”
Great advice for all of us.
If you’re planning or wishing or dreaming of doing something, do it now.
One of my coaching clients, Ginny* is a single mom who grew up as an MK (missionary kid). Right now, there are obstacles for her to take the mission trips she loves.
- Childcare for her littles.
- Using her limited discretionary income to fund a trip.
- Finding someone to cover her shifts at work.
But she’s a “dessert first” girl. She’s doing what she loves and when the time is right, she’ll include her children on the missions work.
What is it you would love to do, but are putting off?
- Learn to paint or knit or dance?
- Take the trip to Hawaii or the Holy Land or visit your grandkids?
- Have a baby or write a book or lead a Bible study?
I work with enough women to know the enemy’s lies are powerful. He will tell you “it’s” too late, “it” will be too hard and (my favorite) you don’t deserve “it”.
Don’t believe it anymore. Choose to be a dessert first girl. Go after what you’re passionate about now. Make everyday count. Live intentionally. Pursue your passion and live on purpose!
What have you been putting off that God is prompting you to pick up and pursue?
Verse for today: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to make my life count. Show me the way to be intentional and wise and live the life you died to give me. I look to you to show me the way on this journey. Amen.
*not her real name
I’m so very excited for the book I neeeeeeeed it now, LOL April seems soooo far away. LOL I know it isn’t but in the midst of it all it sure seems that way. Love ya and congratulations on the new book I just can’t wait to read it.
Hi Robyn, Your story was almost about me. I just got back from 10 days in Hawaii where I had a wonderful time. The trip was on my bucket list. but also was learning to surf. I kept my strength up for this purpose. Because of the recent surgery for Ovarian Cancer I didn’t have the strength to standup. Almost, it was fun.
Cindy, Why does it not surprise me that you went surfing!?! Way to go, Friend. I am terrified of the ocean.
I’ve been praying for your complete healing and a long life.
Oh, book sounds very interesting. We will have to look into it for my ladies Bible Study.
thanks so much it’s so true, my husband died at fifty six, there was so much we and he wanted to do and never
got a chance, Yesterdays, gone, tomorrow may never come, live for today.
So sorry, Sue. That’s way too young.
I live intentionally!!
Please be aware I changed my email address to reredhead@ncats.net. Please change your records so I continue to get your emails.
Thanks
I got you covered, Ruth. ?
Yes, Robyn, I’m a dessert first girl at heart. There have been “pings” in my planning but I have been fortunate enough to do many of my planned desserts. My plans to literally drive in all 50 states has been “pinged” by Covid a few times but should be fulfilled yet this year. I frequently travel from home in Illinois to family in Pa and Fl. Currently in Florida celebrating the 16th birthday week of my youngest grandson.
God has granted me many trips and much time with my family. God is good all the time and my desserts are yummy.
I heard you speak at word of life ladies luncheon recently in florida. You were wonderful.! God has Blessed you with a gift of dynamic speaking. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Wow, thank you Carolyn. Please write anytime. LOL
Seriously, what a pleasure it was to be with you in FL. Hope we meet again.
I wish I knew that God loves to foul up any plans you make when you are younger. So don’t make any. ( widowed early). Surviving…with Jesus help. Life still sucks. Some days, not so much.
Oh dear, Friend. I’m so sorry about your man’s death. That is stinko, for sure. I’m praying for you. Sounds like you have a heart and head full of wisdom to share about survival.
Finally I am able to respond. New phone. A present from my sweet daughter. Enjoy your messages very much. Met you at a ladies church retreat in SC. On the beach. I had just lost my husband. Your messages seem to be just for me so that tells me I am not the only one who struggles. Now my church has closed and I am trying to find another one. My city is known as The City of Churches so pray I find the one for me.
Your daughter got you a new phone? Hurrah! I’m so sorry your church closed. Praying the LORD leads you to your next spiritual home and community.