While I have been in North Carolina, my dad and I continue to have debates on how to get from point A to point B. For me it is a no brainer: use the GPS on my phone.  For whatever reason though, my Google Maps application has been unreliable in these North Carolina streets.   Reluctantly, I searched on my iPhone for the Waze application because I did not know the way home.  If you know me, then you know I am not a huge fan of Waze.  (For those who are unfamiliar, Waze is a GPS application that is supposed to take you on the fastest route while avoiding traffic.)  To give some color, I opted to use Waze when I first moved to California.  I was not familiar with the area and relied on it to lead me the best “waze” to work.  Once, it sent me straight to the traffic and I was an hour late.  I tried Waze a few times after that but never had a favorable outcome. I would tell my friend Waze does not care about my life. (I know, I am a bit dramatic.) . From then on, I was a die hard Google Mapper (if that is a thing).

So back to my present story, I had to use the Waze application because it was my only viable option in the moment. In essence, I choose to be open to something I was once closed to.  Because I had a negative experience with it, I was leery to use it.  However, I had to be willing to try another way to navigate the moment I was in.  If I was not flexible, I would have been completely lost-literally!

As I pondered my experience, this question came to mind: How often do we forgo an idea or a venture because it did not work the first few times we tried it?

I believe there are numerous factors that hold us back such as disappointment or fear.   You may be thinking, “what if I try again and I have the same outcome?”  My response would be, “what if you try again and it works?”  I know the example I shared above may seem trivial but I believe the message is not. 

We have all heard the story of the inventor, Thomas Edison.  He tried one thousand times to make the light bulb.  He was quoted as saying, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times.  The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”  What if he decided it was not worth trying again after the first few times it did not work? How would that have impacted the world we live in?  The same sentiment is true for you.  The world needs what God placed inside of you.  I get it, some things are never meant to be picked up again.  But maybe, just maybe, there is something God wants you to consider again.  It may be the season for you to circle back and try again.

As with all things, I would say pray and ask God. Ask Him to show you if there is an area you have been closed off to that you shouldn’t be. Ask for His perspective and a renewed outlook.  I believe He will answer you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please reveal to me any area where I have been closed off to what You want me to do. If there is something You want me actively purpose please show me. Give me ears to hear You clearly. Give me Your perspective and a renewed outlook. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Until Next Time,

Live Audaciously!

Kay Naomi