Just Do It

There’s an old Irish proverb I like that says, “You can’t plow a field by turning it over in your mind.” I liked it a lot more until I realized that I haven’t been doing as much plowing as I should be.

It seems that I’m busy, but not very productive. I spend a lot of time planning, organizing, and making lists, but not getting a lot done, creatively speaking. I love to create and craft in general, but by the time I have everything metally organized and have listed my ideas, the fun part is over. The thought of actually starting, stops me in my tracks. I have a collection of unfinished projects that I’ve lost interest in because I wasn’t happy with the results. I’m not lazy or unimaginative, so I’ve had to ask myself why I follow this pattern.

I’m most frustrated when I’m trying to write, and discovered that it’s because I’m trying to edit as I go. I become so concerned about getting it perfect, that I stifle my creativity and end up accomplishing very little because it’s such an effort to get it right. My parents and teachers always told me that my worst fault was that I am a perfectionist … now I’m hearing it from God so I’d better listen. Fear of failure keeps me (and you) from being productive. Does this carry over to our walk with God?

We make lists of the people we want to minister to. We organize our schedules to fit in Jesus at all the right times, reading scriptures and books on how to “do it right” but never acting of what we learn. It’s not enough to know all the words, we have to say them. It’s not enough to discern a person’s need, we have to ease their burden. What good is it to discuss a concern with a  brother or sister and never take the time to pray? Have you ever seen where a ministry in needed, know you have the gift to help, but never acted on it because you might get it wrong? We miss the opportunity to minister because we think someone else can do it better.

Phil and I have been learning some new skills and it’s humbling to stumble through your mistakes for all to see, but never trying, stagnates our lives. I don’t want fear of failure to keep me from accomplishing what God wants me to do. He’s whispering to me to let go of my fears and trust that he has equipped me with everything I need to serve him. It’s not possible to achieve perfection on our own, but giving God the opportunity to work through us, brings us closer. It’s time to start plowing and doing more in 2012 … and I’ll try not to make a list.

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; His a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect.”

2 Samuel 22:31-33 (NKJV)

Kitty Nancekievill is a member of WSPC who lives in Gravenhurst with her husband and daughter. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling and spending time with her five children and their families.