Variety Is The Spice of Life

Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
but only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit around and pick blackberries.

--Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Now, why would I think God would not like to walk with me down this path? Why would I think that by starting this, I'd be flying solo, having to muster up the energy, creativity, and self-discipline to be successful? Why would I think that He's not right here, waiting to bust me out of my routine, eagerly anticipating my humble words, "help me" so He can come to my aid with all the strength, power, and creativity I'll need?

I believe God wants to not only help me restore my body, but also to restore my spirit, my mind, and my heart. Mark Batterson says, in the book Wild Goose Chase that I'm reading, that "In physical exercise, routines eventually become counterproductive. If you exercise the same way every time you work out, your muscles start adapting and stop growing. So you need to change the routine. You need to disorient them. The same is true spiritually." It's called the "law of requisite variety." I think the same is true with our minds and with our hearts and with life in general.

I want to invite the Holy Spirit today, to add variety in my life, to lead me into new places, grow me in all ways. I want the power of His Creativity in my life. I want to depend on Him to lead my exercise plan for the day: running? walking? salsa dancing? eliptical? stretching? bicycling? trail exploring? Whatever you'd like to do today, Jesus, to get me exercising, I'll do! Holy Spirit lead me on. And when you bring me to a break, I'll do that, too. I'll enjoy the majesty of your tall trees, the beauty of the flowers, the warmth of the sun, the freshness of the air. In an act of worship, I'll take it all in.

Who knows, he may have me pass by a wounded traveler to give aid to. I don't want to be so in my routine that it'll tke a Samaritan to help him, when He's sending me!

Nehemiah

I'm reading a great book. It's called "Wild Goose Chase" and it's by Mark Batterson.

"Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit--An Geadh-Glas, or 'the Wild Goose.' The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it's like to follow the Spirit through life . . ."

It's caused me to really look at how I live my life. The second chapter is titled "Goose Bumps" wherein he discusses irresponsible responsibility--where life has become so mundane in responsibility that you stop feeling passionate. Wow. Could that have become me?

I started thinking about it. Maybe I do feel a little like Nehemiah. My passion is Jerusalem , yet I'm stuck a thousand miles due east in Babylon. I have have no idea how to get from where I am to where I want to be. All the passion has been sucked out of my spirit. I have things to do on this earth and yet, according to many--including one of my favorites, Stormie Omartian--my health is not all it could be: Peaceful Living? Proper Exercise? Pure Food? Plenty of Water? Prayer and Fasting? Periods of Fresh Air and Sunlight? Perfect Rest? Yes, when I examine my life, I see where I fall short, why I am feeling so hesitant to walk where God wants me to walk. How can I begin to think about the traverse to Jerusalem when I have neglected my physical body so much? Something has to change.

What am I going to do? Well, I will take Mark Batterson's advice: I'll be the best cup-bearer (healthy person) I can be right where I am. I won't whine about my steps. I won't complain about my schedule. And I won't check out or pretend like there's not a fight going on. I'll make the most of the situation by making obedience attractive for myself. I'll do little things like they are big things, celebrate and share each accomplishment. I'll keep a good attitude, remembering the purpose in it all. I'll faithfully carry out my current obligations while I'm moving out. I'll bring some excitement to what I'm doing, looking for God in everything I do. I'll do the best I can with what I have wherever I am. I'll see myself as a success long before I see physical results because I'll know I'm being faithful in Babylon, believing whole-heartedly that God will bless me a thousand miles away from my goal.

At any rate, it's one of many first steps, and I want you to be a part of it, a part of the Wild Goose Chase. I'll track my journey in celebrating little steps with a spirit of excellence and not perfection. I'll document spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical milestones. Today is what I have, so today is what I'll explore. I'll find favor and I'll get passion back in the move . . .

Be a part of it, won't you? Leave a comment now and again on any of it. Share how you're being helped. Most of all, commit to being a Wild Goose Chaser yourself and tell me about your great and dangerous adventure. I want to hear it!