Chasing a lion sounds like a crazy thing to do. . . and it is. Lions are massive creatures. They can be deadly creatures. But I'm in the middle of a fabulous book titled, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, by Mark Batterson - and it makes lion chasing sound like the most amazing way to live the John 10:10 life. In the book, he asks the question, "Are you living a life worth telling stories about?" I got to thinking about my safe, predictable life and had to honestly answer "no". How boring am I?!?
Deep down, I want to live an exciting, on fire, worth-telling-stories-about life. But the reality is, I don't do it. I began to reflect and started talking to God. I told him I didn't think He sent many lions my way. His response was that I missed them because I wasn't on the lookout for them. OUCH!! That's a painful truth. I probably wasn't looking for them though, because It isn't in my human nature to go running after something that could potentially harm or even kill me.
As a mom, I try to protect my kids from all the dangers lurking around them. I want them to be safe and free from harm. That's the natural motherly, nurturing thing to do. But, is it the right thing to do? Sure we don't want to put our kids or ourselves in danger. We need to use wisdom. God gave us good brains and I believe we need to use them. That said however, are we too busy being careful that we miss out on adventures, risk taking, and the abundant life God has planned for us? I think the answer is a resounding "yes".
I haven't finished the book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day yet, but I have a feeling the more I read, the more convicted I will be to be on the lookout for lions; chase them when I find them; and trust God wholeheartedly to help me win the battles He's called me to fight. I am looking forward to new and exciting adventures. I want to make my kids proud and leave a legacy worth telling stories about.
