Turtle Power!

Well, I have been a stay at home dad (full time) again for 1 full day, and all I can say is that I missed this life! It is so nice to be able to wake up, go for a run, come home and dive into the presence of God - rather than waking up at 4 to go make sandwiches!

This morning, I was sitting in my prayer room - and asking God to speak to me. As I sat here, and was being still and waiting for the the Lord to speak, I felt a little disappointed when, for a few minutes, there was nothing but silence. Forgetting the fact that my need to have my appetite INSTANTLY met is probably wrong and misguided - I heard God say that sometimes, He is quiet, not because He doesn't care, or isn't listening, or even because there is sin in my life, but because when I have to wait upon the Lord, it increases my faith! Wow - I was blown away - and wondered how many times have I wanted something right this second, and because I was too impatient, or just lacked the discipline to be still - missed out on God and an increase in faith, because I took matters into my own hands?

I was in the middle of praising God and thanking him for taking the time to care enough about me to let me wait, to take me deeper and make me more like Jesus - when I got a picture in my head of a turtle crossing the road?!?

My immediate response was "God, what the heck was THAT"

Immediately, I felt like God brought clarity to the picture. You see, when I think about the turtle, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Teenage Mutant kind... but after that, I think about their shell. And I have always thought that it was kinda neat that God gave them a portable home, a permanent protection, and a place of security. What I never thought about though, was how scared a turtle always is! My family used to have a turtle, and he was ALWAYS ducking back into his shell and trying to hide. And it occurred to me this morning, that a lot of times, my walk with Christ is a lot like a turtle. I retreat back into my shell - and hide from the big, scary world all around me, because I don't have enough faith, and like the cozy, comfortable, manageable scenario that God has already given me.

But... every once in a while, you see a turtle in the middle of the road - crossing the street! Can you imagine what is going through that turtles mind? Mostly cuss words at being in such a dangerous situation. But, every time I have seen a turtle in the road - he's not hiding in his shell, he is booking it trying to get across the road. Now, I know that at an example breaks down, but hear me out: what if - rather than just using our "shells" to keep us cozy and comfortable and to hide from the world, we braved the open road. WE dared to go out into the scary and dangerous world and explore new territory, try new things, and BE BOLD! What if we shared our faith with someone today? What if we became purposed with our relationships? What if we loved unconditionally? What if, instead of using our shells as defensive, we put them to the test to see how well they would hold up against the battle we are in against this world?

I really believe that would be a sight to see - and can you imagine the thrill of victory when we get to the other side of the road...