“Time is fleeting” - Longfellow

Have you ever stopped yourself from taking a chance because you were too scared of what would happen?

Insert your awkward moment here.

Too many times we don't step out in faith because fear takes over.

What-ifs accumulate.

-What if I sound stupid?

-What if they don't like my ideas?

-What if I fail?

-What if I mess this up?

These are normal thoughts; everyone has them!

That's why people sweat before going on stage; they're nervous. That's why people stay to themselves; it's easier. They decide not to share their ideas. Or they do share their ideas, and afterward worry what everyone thought about their ideas. On and on.

First of all, most of the time ‘people’ are too worried about themselves to even think about what you're worried about. Or, it’s not that big of a deal. Or, they really like the ideas and are, themselves, too scared to tell you.

It's a vicious cycle that then leads to assumptions and hurt feelings. Then, more fear!

BUT! What if:

-You take that chance.

-You share your thoughts.

-You talk to that person?

Is it scary? Yes…but think of all the possibilities!

God made one you. You're it! He has given each of us special gifts that He can use. And what if, by using those gifts, you accidentally become a blessing to someone else!?

God can use our relationships with people to grow and challenge us. Various relationships go through different seasons in our lives, but He can use those relationships according to His timing.

I'm so thankful for the friends God has brought into my life; and some in the most unusual ways!

Once, 16 years ago, I was walking through the Costco parking lot…I saw a mom with a baby about my daughter's age and complimented her baby carrier and asked where she got it. We struck up a conversation and have been friends ever since.

When I was in college (ahem 30 years ago), I went to class with a girl that had the most beautiful voice. I had seen her singing at the college cafe and had never spoken with her before. I sat behind her in Spanish, so when she and I were the first ones in class one day, I randomly tapped her on the shoulder and asked a ‘hypothetical’ question about a boyfriend situation I was in. She gave me some advice and years later, we are still close

Remember my friend who became a Christian after twenty years of prayers (Did God Answer My Prayer?)? I met her through a mutual friend. Our friend had told me to meet her, but I originally thought she didn't like me. If our friend hadn't persuaded me to give her another chance, I would've assumed incorrectly! She just didn't smile much, but was a deep well I was fortunate enough to get to know.

Some would say these chance encounters were lucky, but I would say God's Providence led me to these friendships that have lasted.

But, there is a time that I regret not listening to God.

I was driving my usual route to work and I looked over at a lady picking up trash in her yard. There had been strong winds the night before and they had apparently blown her bin over and scattered trash everywhere. I thought, I should stop and help her pick up the trash. That would be a blessing to her, and maybe open a door to a new relationship.

But, I was late for work.

I hate being late! I thought, well, it would be weird to stop and help a stranger…and then I'd be REALLY late because then I'd have to clean up after, because… gross, trash!

I kept driving.

I believe God gives those nudges to guide us, to help people, to do what's best for us, but we have the choice to listen or to ignore them.

I chose poorly that day and have never forgotten it. Over twenty years later, I still hold that memory with me…but not in a sad, defeated way that regret can sometimes feel like, but in a I will never let that happen again way. Since then, I have decided nothing is more important than God and people…not even being late to work.

We can make differences to people around us in every day circumstances.

Sometimes it's really hard to take a step out in faith.

I have shopped at my local grocery store for 18 years. I am used to seeing familiar faces there. I try to be friendly to all the employees, especially the hard ones to crack.

This one lady in particular was always complaining. I could tell she hated working there. I took the time to speak with her and she told me about her job woes, her terrible neighbors, and her brother who had cancer. I said I was so sorry and then wrapped up the conversation and pushed my shopping cart to the next aisle.

Then I had a thought.

I should have prayed for her. Why didn't I pray for her? I should go back and pray for her.

I kept walking.

Then I remembered the lady in her front yard, picking up her trash, alone.

But she will think I'm weird. How do I approach her? I will have to see her every time I come to the grocery store in the future.

But what if it blesses her? What if her brother is healed? What if she has a better outlook on her life? What if I always ask myself “what if I had obeyed that still, small voice?”

I turned around.

Faith takes courage. Obedience can feel hard, but God is with you when you step out in faith.

I prayed for that lady. She was surprised when I asked her if I could pray for her, but she said yes. I prayed for her and God gave me the words. And she wasn't awkward the next time I saw her. There was nothing to worry about! And she told me later that her brother was doing better.

I haven't seen her lately. Maybe she retired or got a new job? I don't know, but I do know I obeyed and was able to plant a seed in her life.

Sometimes we don't see the outcome or how God is working. And sometimes hindsight is 20/20.

Ephesians 5:15–16: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…”

Longfellow wrote that “Time is fleeting,” and it is. We don't know how many opportunities we'll have to encourage someone, pray for someone, start a friendship, lend a hand, or simply stop long enough to notice someone who needs us.

Maybe that's why Paul tells us in Ephesians to live wisely, “making the most of every opportunity.”

Fear asks “what if?” to keep us from acting; faith can ask “what if?” too—but with hope instead of fear.

I missed one opportunity more than twenty years ago, and I still remember that woman standing alone in her yard.

But maybe God even used that missed opportunity.

Because years later, when another quiet nudge came, I remembered her.

And I turned around.