I’ll Go…I’ll Stay?

Sometimes I want to go.  Sometimes I want to stay.  I can be quite finicky that way.

There are times when the excitement of change, something new, something different seems to call to me.  It’s like the old cartoons I used to watch as a kid.  You remember, the one where the pie would be cooling on the windowsill and the sweet aroma would waft through the air to capture the attention of the poor, unsuspecting critter who couldn’t help but follow his nose to the source of goodness.  I feel like that sometimes.  Some would call it restless.  Some would call it adventurous.  I’m not sure what to call it.  Maybe a slight mixture of both.  A kind of “restventure.”  You never know, it could catch on.

Then there are times when the consistency and comfort of life seems to speak to me as well.  It sings more of a lulling tune.  A soothing, consoling, life-is-good-right-here-and-now kind of song.  Some would call it contented.  Some would call it satisfied.  Maybe it’s also a mixture of both.  ”Satistented.”  Okay, maybe not.

The point is, there are times in life when it’s easy to see where you should be and what you should be doing.  The path seems clear.  The questions all answered.  Then there are the times when the path couldn’t be any more covered with vines and hidden from view.  There are far more questions than answers.  If some holy graffiti showed up on your wall you certainly wouldn’t ignore it.

At times like this when I can’t seem to find my way, Ruth 1:16 is a great reminder.  It says, “Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay.”  The story of Ruth is one of loyalty.  After Ruth’s husband died, she was not obliged to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi.  In fact, Naomi didn’t expect her to stay.  Ruth, however, was determined to stay with the woman she loved and help her in any way she could.  God saw Ruth’s devotion and rewarded her.  She was married again and gave birth to a son.  Through her son, she became the great grandmother of King David which placed her in the lineage of Christ.

Loyalty, faithfulness, devotion.  Great qualities to possess.  When I think of the words Ruth spoke to her mother-in-law, I’m also reminded of how I should respond to Christ.  When my finicky nature starts to rear its ugly head, I am reminded by these words, “Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay,” to follow Christ.  I want to be where He is.  If that means going, than go I shall.  If that means staying, than stay I shall.  As difficult as it is for me, I don’t need to have all the questions answered.  It’s okay to leave a few “i’s” undotted and a few “t’s” uncrossed.  I just need to be where He is.

The great folks over at Dayspring sent me these two plaques to try out.  As soon as I opened the box, I was so excited.  I LOVE it when God sends things your way to reiterate what He’s been trying to tell you.  (My goal is to hear Him after two attempts instead of my usual 47).  These plaques did just that.  My oldest daughter is talking about what her plans are when she graduates high school next year.  WOW, saying that always seems to get stuck in my throat…typing it wasn’t any easier.  She has some big choices ahead of her.  My role is to be a guide.  Point her in the right direction.  The ultimate decision, is up to her.  I was going to hang these plaques in my office as a reminder that no matter what opportunities come my way or don’t come my way, I want to be where He is.   

But, I’m thinking maybe my daughter might need them hanging in her room as a reminder that whatever her future holds, she needs to be sure it is where Christ is.  If that means staying, then stay.  If that means going, than go.  (Would someone remind me of this a year from now when I’m saying, “Already, are you sure you’re ready to go?!”)  

So, you should really check out the line of home décor at Dayspring.  Their theme this month is Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  If you love words in the form of art all over your walls like I do, you’ll love their stuff.  I could use a few more walls to cover!

Now…  how’d you like to win a $20 certificate to use towards a purchase from Dayspring?  All you have to do is comment on this post.  That’s it.  Just comment.  Easy, right?  You can find the inspired deals from Dayspring here…inspired deals You can also check out the store and their cool items here… Dayspring Store

THE COMMENTING CONTEST ENDS SATURDAY AT MIDNIGHT.  THE WINNER WILL BE RANDOMLY CHOSEN.

By The Way:  Dayspring gave me these plaques to try out.  Now you know and now I’ve complied with FTC regulations!