2019 Theme – Roll the Ball!

Last year, former procrastinators, our theme was “Go There.”  In spite of discomfort, fear, nervousness, lack of knowledge or experience, take God’s hand and step into the challenge.  I confess to you that I pulled back on God’s hand.  I even sat down in the path.  I claimed I had to know more, have help, or wait until later.  I procrastinated.  Gratefully, I accomplished some good things, but I did not fully “Go There.”

Comfort is the emotion that has deceived us all, said a conference attendee.  So true.  I’m comfortable without pain, inconvenience, criticism, dealing with the unknown, etc.

Reviewing last year, I realize I did not allow routine to take me where I needed to go – into some discomfort and blessing.

If you follow routine and steadily take the next step, you may well come to a place of challenge or discomfort. But it will be the right next thing.  Taking advantage of your routine, you will continue forward, tackle whatever is next, and get the blessing.

That is where I dropped the ball.  l laid out office hours for writing; I respected them by not scheduling other things during that time.  I was all set up to write.  But then I often did other work.  I didn’t take full advantage of the routine I established.

Did you experience this?  Did you set up a filing system but not use it?  Buy veggies for healthier eating but let them go bad in the fridge?  Take a financial course but not pay off debt?  Designate story time but consistently not read?  Determine to make the toughest calls first but hung out at the water cooler instead?  Agree on a date night but not arrange a sitter?

Remember, the bowling pins at the end of the lane are the priorities we want to knock out. Routines are like bowling bumpers that lie in the gutter and keep the ball from falling in there. When the ball comes up against a bumper/routine, it moves back into the lane and continues on to the pins.

I understood that.  I set up the necessary bumper/routine and even maintained it.  But sometimes I held back on rolling the ball.

I can watch others bowl and study technique.  I can purchase my own shoes and ball.  I can sign up for a team and wear the shirt.  I can reserve bowling nights and not allow anything to interfere.  I can make sure bowling bumpers are in place.

But no pins will fall if I do not roll the ball.

The theme for 2019 is Roll the Ball!

In Deuteronomy 1:14 God says unlike others, Caleb will go into the promised land.  Caleb completely obeyed and believed Him. Caleb wholly followed God; therefore, Caleb got the blessing.

God still has me on the team.  I have opportunity to wholly follow Him and be blessed.  This year I’m going to roll the ball.

In what area did you set up a routine but hold back from taking the next step?