Did you ever play with binoculars as a kid?
I did, and as I would sweep the rural landscape, I was always amazed at how big and close things became.
However, turning the binocs around and looking through the opposite end was a real eye-opener as well.
My focus became very small, and details loomed large.
As an adult, do you view your strengths through the “wrong” end of these vision enhancers?
Are you dismissive of your gifts as not worthy of growth, seeing every flaw magnified?
Are you embarrassed to share out of fear that you will be judged just like you were in middle school by that pack of mean girls giggling at your pathetic efforts?
Ugh.
That is a miserable place to be, indeed.
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, as they say.
But things have changed.
For the past several months, I have been a member of Holley Gerth’s God-Sized Dream Team.
I saw her announcement for applications for her book launch team back in the fall, and read the details with an interested and hopeful heart.
My Chihuahua of Fear barked loud and fierce, though, and I panicked, quickly closing my browser window.
But the offer had gotten its teeth into me, so I prayed overnight, and applied the following morning, hitting “Send” with just a bit of trepidation.
I then forgot about the grand dreams I had declared and the promises I had made.
Weeks later, I opened an email that said this:
Hello Beautiful God-sized Dreamer!
Thank you so much for wanting to be part of the God-sized Dreams Team. I’m thrilled to let you know what you are on it.
GACK!
I didn’t know it was possible to be blubberingly, joyfully, scared out of my wits.
Since then, I have declared my God-Sized Dream to the world:
Although I have several big dreams—publishing books, and writing and speaking to encourage women—I chose speaking at Allume.
Good golly it’s hard to put that out there. However, I did start jotting down ideas for my presentation the very day I submitted my application to Holley for a slot on this team.
Given that I joined Toastmasters a couple of months ago and have only given two speeches, I am really reaching here, just so you know.
I’ve gone from Scaredy Cat to Too Darn Happy and although the Chihuahua still attempts to intimidate me, I now see him for what he really is: all bark and no bite.
The biggest shift, though, has been the peace that has soothed the anxious places in my heart and the quiet confidence that has begun to settle in.
The more that Holley encouraged us via our group and her book, You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream, the more we cheered one another on, and the further we all walked, stretching the edges of our comfort zones.
It has been a paradigm shifting journey for sure.
I say that with a slightly nervous chuckle, recognizing that I have been picking up steam and encouragement for quite some time, and suspecting there are many more twists and turns ahead.
Holley has charged us with a challenge to step out in faith again into new territory:
For next week take this “do what you can” step for your God-sized dream: Find a way to pay it forward. You’ve been encouraged in your God-sized dreams by your sisters here the last few months. How can you spread that encouragement forward by investing in other dreamers? It can be small and simple or BIG and wild. Ask God what you can do and get creative.
To be perfectly honest, my very first, albeit brief, response was this: BIG? Creative? I’m not ready for that. I’m not big enough and don’t have enough reach for that yet.
Ooomph.
Fell down and got right back up as I was reminded of what I had read this morning in The Prayer of Jabez Devotional:
“Open your eyes and look at the fields!” Jesus pleaded. “They are ripe for harvest.” As always, God wants to begin with you now. He’s not waiting for you to become someone else before He can use you. He’s not waiting for you to go somewhere else.
He already has something in mind for me that is a perfect fit for where and who I am right now. (Like this? Click here to tweet!)
And that is a much different place than where I was standing six months ago, and that is greatly expanded from where I was a year or two ago.
The very funny thing is that there has been a need right in front of me for at least a couple of months and I haven’t seen it for the opportunity to pay it forward that it is.
That will be changing this week.
I apologize that I can’t share the details with you, but some things are better done quietly and out of the spotlight.
At first glance, this action appears small.
But, who am I to determine the ultimate size of this single, small act of sharing, of pouring into someone else the way I have been refreshed repeatedly, especially these past few months?
Who knows to what distant shores these refreshing waves will spread?
It’s time for you to step forward on your journey, my friend.
Come alongside, and take my hand and that of so many others who are also expanding their comfort zones and spheres of influence.
Know that the small-minded school girl may still make an occasional appearance as you venture into new territory.
But then, she will saunter cockily away, slowly turning her head to look back at you, a smirk spreading across her face, and with eyebrow raised, she’ll say, “You know this isn’t over. I’ll be back.”
Just be sure to take your binoculars, so that you can not only enjoy the wide, sweeping vistas of possibility before you, but also so that you can turn those binoculars around and see that inner critic for the tiny and ineffective thing that she is.
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. ~Proverbs 11:25
Question: What can you do this week to pay it forward and pour refreshment on someone else?
Sharing at NOBH, Soli Deo Gloria, Holley Gerth
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Well said. One step at a time. One day at a time. One project at a time. One conversation at a time. I get the feeling the steps you’re taking are making an eternal difference.
Kristin Taylor recently posted…Dreaming with Compassion
Well put, Kristin. Just one, of anything. Thanks for stopping by!
Twitter: amypboyd
says:
Your words make me think about a song by Point of Grace that says (paraphrase) we run on up ahead, we lag behind but if we walk with Him He will lead us steady on. I think that is why he has given us sister dreamers. They are here to steady us when we stumble. Thanks keeping us steady.
Oh, yes-I love Point of Grace! My thanks back to you as well, Amy. Just loving all the hands being held out to one another!
Twitter: barefootmel
says:
I love this. Sometimes it really does start with the seemingly-smallest act of kindness…and turn into something we could never have fathomed. You have a beautiful heart, friend. Thank you for this.
And I just want to tell you something: Every time I read your dream, I smile and think, Wow. What an incredible thing. I can’t wait to see it happen for you, friend. It will.
Mel recently posted…My God-Sized Dream: What to Give, What to Give
Oh, you encourage me, Mel! Thanks so much for coming by! It has been fun to see the dreams begin to take root and bloom.
Twitter: susanrstilwell
says:
Good stuff, Kim. And good for you for choosing to do something out of the limelight. It makes it all the more precious. And I’m excited for your dream to speak at Allume! Can’t wait to see how that dream progresses!
Susan Stilwell recently posted…A Monday Pause ~ Fan Into Flame
Hello, Susan! Your words always make me smile. Thanks for your encouragement, and hope you are feeling better! I am finally beginning to feel normal again…
What an encouraging post! And fun to read! You have really stepped out and I am proud of you for that. I picked up Holley’s book at the bookstore recently and put it back. It scared me! Really! I think maybe I need to get it. Thanks for your honesty.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
~ linda recently posted…His Voice
I can’t recommend her book enough, Linda. Go pick up that book, and start reading. It is so full of encouragement and fear busting! Thanks so much for stopping to share your words. Bless you on your journey to your dreams!
Twitter: graceglimmers
says:
The Proverb:
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. ~Proverbs 11:25
Awesome! God’s Word teaches us to give. My mother and father taught me how to give. Now, we are teaching our sons how to give. What a beautiful way to think about giving as refreshing! Humble in your giving, the receiver will be blessed. p.s. The binoculars lead in made me smile extra big because my mom has a pair of “knockers” as my nephew called them…we laughed for about 15 minutes about his title for them…we made him repeat it a few times of course. Our boys love playing with binoculars! May we see joy in the view!
Jennifer recently posted…Have You Eaten Today?
I just love the image of the generations of your family, teaching the young to give just as they were taught. Thanks for the smile with your story about the “knockers”. I forget how amusing children’s pronunciations can be.
Twitter: Soulstops
says:
Dear Kim,
I love how you refresh others and you have been a huge encouragement to me on GSD, and I hope to write my post today, prayerfully, to thank you and Melissa for how encouraging you both have been.
Hugs to you,
Dolly
Dolly recently posted…When you are brave enough to be yourself
Thank you, thank you, Dolly. You are so sweet!
Twitter: AleciaSimersky
says:
I love how paying it forward refreshes us, to continue on in our journey’s and motivates to do more. And middle school…ugh. My daughter’s there now, and I hate it for her. Such a tough age. I once heard someone say that the insecurities that you felt as a junior high kid never really leave you, you always kinda see yourself as that kid. I think there may be some truth in that.
I love how this group in particular encourages and refreshes each other, it’s nice!
Alecia recently posted…Why You Should Encourage Others In Their Dreams
My sympathy to you on living through middle school again with your daughter. It was particularly difficult for both of my daughter’s too. Ugh. I was so glad when they were through.
I, too, love the continual waterfall of refreshment from this group. Thanks so much for taking the time to share, Alecia!
Whatever it is that you’re up to … eh, hem … God is up to in you, Kim, I’m all for it! I just prayed for you and your God-sized dream. I pray that God opens wide that Jabez territory that you’re bravely walking toward and claiming, my friend!
Ah, thanks, Beth! I have no doubt God will be working through me. Always a bit overwhelming, but always exciting! Thanks, Beth, for coming by. Just love to have you visit.
Twitter: fiercedivablog
says:
I love this question you leave us with as well as your constant encouragement for us to follow our dreams. Thank you for the inspiration as always!
Ilene recently posted…Me and The Beebs
Thank you, Ilene, for the encouragement you have shared with me. I so appreciate you!
And, as you again probably know, Arsene Wenger has again refused, partially,
to heed my advice, advances, pleas, begs, howlers, screams, errr.
They are casting their one-eyed gaze at locals and tourists
from statues, posters and a good deal of Olympic merchandise that
varies from key chains to cutlery. After you have master it then move on to
another one.
soccer recently posted…soccer