Everything you want...

I remember, when I was in University, I went with my church's youth group to a Christian club. The guy I liked at the time was playing in one of the bands that night.

I sat with my friends and listened to the music, and refused to go and speak to this guy because I was nervous and scared to do anything but sit there, frozen. It was good music, and I did buy a copy of their demo tape (which necessitated speaking to him).

What sticks with me is that one of my friends was - to put it bluntly - exasperated. She knew I liked this guy, she thought I should go talk to him, and she couldn't figure out why I wouldn't. She finally threw up her hands and said, "I don't understand you! Everything you want is right over there. Just reach out and take it. And you won't do anything!"

Well, my friendship with that particular guy is long over, and the friend who said that to me has long since returned to Germany (she was an exchange student).

But what she said - that remains.

"Everything you want is right over there. Just reach out and take it."

I remembered that today as I was mulling over my future and all I want to do with it. It made me wonder if I'm doing all that God wants me to do - if I'm reaching out and taking all that he has to offer to me. What I want is whatever God wants for me.

The thing is, it takes courage to do something about our wants and desires like that. It takes courage to reach out and take what we want. We think we need permission, we're worried people won't like us, we're afraid we might say or do something stupid.

But so what?

I mean, really - if we're following that which God has placed in our hearts, what does it matter if others laugh us off the stage?

God loves us no matter what. He wants only the best for us. We don't need permission to take what he is freely offering, we don't need to worry about him not liking us, and nothing we can say or do is stupid to him.

So - what is it you want? Do you want it enough to take the risk - to step out in faith, reach out and take it?

This is going to be my year for doing precisely that.

Accept what God is giving you, and join me in that adventure.