Thursday thought: Commit

I met with a dear friend this week to work on some music for a future project.  We chatted about the music we were rehearsing-- some of which is a bit out of my comfort zone, but beautiful nevertheless-- and he challenged me to commit to the music.  He may not have seen it as a challenge, but then he is in his element, and I am bringing my folksy, "pure" sound to his jazz.  All the same, it dawned on me that he was right.  I am tentative and uncommitted because I am uncomfortable and it all feels risky to me. After all, why leave a place of ease and wander where you can fail?

As I have practiced my music and reflected on that comment this week, I have had an epiphany of sorts: Those of us who like to skirt along the edges of perfectionism and pietism and legalism by nature have to work to move out of that spot where we can excuse our failures because we didn't really try.  If we are going to do something, we ought to commit to it wholeheartedly, and learn from the successes and the failures. That is to live fully, trusting that God's providential hand has brought you to this day, this time, this challenge. And you have nothing to fear.

And so, here's hoping that you find the courage to commit to your life today, Gentle Reader.  I am quaking in my boots, but I am right behind you.