Don’t Hide

Are you awake? Are you alert? Some days I can be awake but not alert. Like one eye open but the light in my brain is not on and I just don’t want to turn it on so leave me alone! Know what I mean?

Afraid I live too much of my life with only one eye open in a dimly lit space. Only concerned with what I want to be concerned about and not what is really pressing on my heart. Skipping out on things that really matter because if I get entrenched in those things I might get hurt.

So I turn the lights low and close the curtains of my room and hide away from the big scary stuff outside, unaware of how I can help. It is much easier for me that way! Far safer. And this way I don’t know what I missed!

But what do I miss? I don’t have FOMO! I really don’t mind missing out on some things. But in the security of my hiding what have I missed?

Did I miss an opportunity to share a lunch with someone? A simple meal with conversation. A listening ear offered to a hurting heart.

Did I miss a ballgame? It may not have been the game I missed. It may have been the company had in the group of spectators. It may have been the player that needed my presence. To hug her neck after the game.

Did I miss the friendship held by a local congregation of Jesus followers; the church? Did I avoid my responsibilities within that group of people? Did I miss messages my ears needed to hear? Did I miss blessings in serving others?

All because of my hiding. All because I wasn’t alert to what was necessary. Did someone need me? Did I need someone? I can’t turn back the clock.

But in moving forward, what can I offer?

No more excuses of, well, I really am not needed or wanted. Just an excuse for me to stay in hiding.

I can observe. I can be present. I can be alert to the needs of others. I can drive or walk or call or text or share or write.

I can tell you God loves you and desires your love in return. He won’t force you to love Him but desires a sincere devotion that comes through a daily relationship with Him. A relationship of praise and prayer. A relationship of studying His word for yourself and with others. A relationship that grows and becomes increasingly complete. A relationship that is sealed by His power.

We all have work to do for the kingdom of God. We can’t do that effectively if we stay in hiding!

Let’s be alert and awake to what is around us. Be attentive to what God has placed in front of you. Ask Him for guidance and discernment to know your responsibility. Then go do it.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB)