Last month I had the opportunity to visit one of my family's favorite vacation spots. This time, right up there on the fun-things-to-do agenda was water skiing. Taking pictures from the shore, my sister, brother-in-law, and I chatted as we watched our kids in the boat and on the skis. As my nephew fell into the water following his turn, my brother-in-law turned around and began to snicker and point. There in the window above us was my mom. As she stood there, eyebrows knit together, her worry about their safety was obvious.
From that point on, the window was dubbed the Worry Window.
Let's take a moment to examine it. Inside, cozy cabin. Regardless of almost any type of weather, we'd be safe behind it, and one particular evening when it stormed, we did gather there to watch the boats get tossed around by white caps and the deck furniture by the wind. We also took beautiful photos from behind that window, which became a sort of frame for the lake.
Outside, we could feel the warmth of the sun and the brush of the breeze on our arms and hear the call of the loons, the giggling of the children on the beach, and the lap of the waves as they came to the shore. Of course, out there we could also be bitten by Minnesota's state bird, the mosquito, and we could get cold in the evenings.
I've spent too much of my time behind life's Worry Window. I've watched things in the world and have thought, Sure glad that isn't happening to me. Instead of running out into elements, I've guarded myself and my family from the scary things, the things that are unlike me, and the things that I'm just not sure I like.
Jesus has called us all to be disciples, but my Worry Window is holding me back.
Do I personally believe that we're all called to be international missionaries? No. Do I believe that we all need to go to seminary to be pastors? No. Do I believe that every one of us is called to be light to a world that is hopeless without Christ? Absolutely.
Awhile back, my pastor challenged the congregation by asking us how many of our friends are Christian and further, how we plan to make a difference for Christ if all we do is hang out with our "safe" friends. He asked us if Christ was walking among us today if He would be hanging out in churches only or if he'd be at the bars and the street corners as well.
I'm sure I will constantly feel drawn to hide behind my Worry Window, to let the brave people "out there" do the work. I want to be better. I want Christ to work through me. I'm making the decision to step out and let the Holy Spirit guide me to where there's work to be done. If you, too, are feeling stuck behind your own Worry Window, will you step out and join me?
