Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Candy blogs: Decisions … we can never get away from them. Even getting out of bed is a decision every day. I love the initial interaction between Dorothy and the scarecrow:

Dorothy: Now which way do we go?
Scarecrow: Pardon me, this way is a very nice way.
Dorothy: Who said that? Don’t be silly, Toto. Scarecrows don’t talk.
Scarecrow: [points other way] It’s pleasant down that way, too.
Dorothy: That’s funny. Wasn’t he pointing the other way?
Scarecrow: [points both ways] Of course, some people do go both ways.

We often live our lives this way, trying every new trendy fad or book or teacher or style or method or diet or philosophy. Think of the people in your life whom you admire. Are they blown about by every new wind or are their lives centered and grounded? These people seem to understand that who and where they are today are the direct result of innumerable daily decisions.

“A full life is lived in the moment of decision, and in that moment you either journey closer to where you want to go or you move farther away.”
Julie Clinton

The importance of this quote by Julie Clinton in her devotional book, “Living God’s Dream for You,” can only mean something if we have already decided where we want to go. If we’re just drifting through our days letting time pass with no intention behind them, we won’t even know if we’re moving closer or further away. We let this lack of purpose rule our tomorrows.

If we “decide” to sleep late, that decision will affect all the moments ahead: kids missed the bus, late to work, missed appointment, skipped breakfast, lost productivity.

If we “decide” to procrastinate and watch TV instead of finish a project, that decision will affect all the moments ahead: nagging guilt, weak presentations due to lack of preparation, not inviting others into our home because our house isn’t picked up, feeling the pressure of being too close to a deadline.

If we “decide” to allow the opinions of others to dictate our self worth instead of fully knowing who we are and how we are gifted, it will affect all the moments ahead: assuming someone doesn’t like us, being all things to all people, missing opportunities for friendship and growth.

In my own life, I have made some decisions about where I believe I should be headed. I’ve spent the last several months researching and connecting and learning about what it will take to head in that direction. After interacting with others on the same path and hearing God’s voice through His Word and His people, my next step is to actually DO the things I’ve been learning about! I won’t get very far down the road if I’m just reading and Facebooking and IM’ng. I have to step out onto the road, baby!

So yesterday, at the invitation of a friend, I went to a BNI (Business Networking Int’l) lunch. I love meeting new people but this was the first time I actually introduced myself to the world as an Inspirational Speaker! And they took me seriously! They actually wanted my business card. Listening to all the other business people introduce themselves and their businesses, I began to realize that there were other things I could consider speaking about besides Christian women’s topics. These people needed help in areas I have expertise in. I had never considered this before. Being at the luncheon also made me realize I have some work to do on my basic 60 second commercial! I went away excited but scared … what if someone at the luncheon actually asked me to speak at one of their functions?! LOL As I’ve had time to reflect, the Lord’s voice came quietly. He’ll be with me as I walk on this new road He’s called me to.

My past decisions have brought me to today. Some of today I’m pleased with and some I’m not. But God is allowing me enough of a glimpse of what is possible to encourage me to “decide” to make better use of my time. Today’s decisions will rule tomorrow. What do I want tomorrow to look like?

What will your tomorrow be?

For those reading from other places:
www.candytroutman.wordpress.com