11-8-20 Watch Me

Quote: “There are many people out there who will tell you that you can’t.  What you’ve got to do is turn around and say, ‘Watch me’.” – Jack White

What motivates people is fascinating to me!

Some people are carrot dangling in front of you kind of people.  They love incentives.  They love to look ahead to see the rewards at the end of a long battle or journey.  I am that person.  I may not always be the most patient person on the way but I sure love to celebrate at the finish line!  Words and goals and encouragement are my jam.  And I love motivating others.

However, there are those who don’t get that all excited about rewards.  My son Carter is one of these people.  He sees the journey as a means to an end but doesn’t need a reward to motivate him.  He just lives in the now, not really seeing why there needs to be a big hoopla at the end, and just takes it one day at a time. We knew this early on with him.  He could care less about how many goals the team scored in soccer.  Being competitive is ridiculous to him.  He doesn’t get motivated by grades, scores, or tally marks.  And so of course, Mark and I have had an interesting time parenting him in a unique way!

But there is one thing that motivates me to the core.  Just tell me something can’t be done.

Something starts welling up inside of me.  I immediately start asking questions.  Why can’t it be done?  Has it ever been done before?  Who says it can’t be done?  Can we do it this way instead?  I want to scream, “Um, don’t tell me no.  Watch out.”  I have gotten myself into a lot of trouble asking these questions.  Boat rockers are not often welcomed.  Rolled eyes.  Fake smiles.  Thanks but no thanks responses.

You know who else was a boat rocker?  Jesus.  He was treated so poorly by society, his friends, and even his own brothers and sisters.  He was speaking one time and his siblings were like (my paraphrase) “Um, we were raised by the same parents in the same home…what makes you so special to be speaking about such things?”  Then we are given this beautiful verse from Jesus’ mouth.  He says in Matthew 10:14, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust of your feet.”

If God has called you to deepen your faith, explore a new calling, journal your life story, text a friend, start a business, form a support group, attend a small group, whatever it is – do it.  And if someone tells you no and that it goes against the grain, then shake the dust of your feet and move on.  Find people that will support the calling God has given you.

There are no place for Negative Nancies in the Christian life.  We are called to break down walls, shatter glass ceilings, and make our mark on this earth.  We have a mission and that is to share the Good News with the world.  We have the cure for eternal life and we have a Bible to help us navigate life.  We have a relationship with our Creator and we cannot be silent.

Surround yourself with people that will pray for you as you take these bold steps.  There are pockets of people and countless countries that want to hear what you have to say.  Let this be your motivator.  Go spread the love of Jesus to everyone you meet!