My little guy, Matt, has rediscovered his hockey equipment.
It’s been packed away in a moving box and now he found it.
Of course he isn’t using it as hockey equipment. Instead it’s armor for whatever kind of superhero he wants to be this afternoon.
As I watch him from my desk window, he runs around the yard battling enemies and taking on villains from the evil realms beyond.
I go back to my writing but movement out my window pulls my attention away from the computer screen again.
Matt now stands under the basketball hoop decked out in hockey gear. I’m thinking “Uh… buddy, these two sports don’t go together.”
He’s trying hard to shoot his basketball through the hoop while wearing his hockey equipment.
But all the extra equipment he’s wearing keeps getting in his way. He can’t do a follow through shot because he’s hindered by what he’s already carrying.
It isn’t long though before this young guy drops the ball, takes off his gloves, pads and sets them aside.
He picks up the ball again and shoots unhindered.
As I sat and watched him I thought to myself, “That didn’t take him long to figure out!”
So how come as grown-ups we keep trying to shoot the ball of life while weighted down with extra stuff?
It seems so simple to set one thing aside and focus on the task at hand. But instead we pick up another agenda item.
We live hindered, bogged down and unable to perform at our best because we’ve picked up too much.
Instead of removing what is hindering, we keep shooting away at the basket hoping to score some points.
That’s where I’ve been these last few weeks
Carrying too much and trying to rid the world of all kinds of injustice like ladybug infestations, laundry piles and random boxes still untouched from the move…. And those are just the things I see with my eyes!
Mentally though… it’s the balancing act of a new home, different life patterns and adjusted schedules. It’s trying to hold on to and keep some sibilance of a previous life that had different boundary lines and daily routines.
What worked before doesn’t now.
I’ve been trying to shoot baskets with hockey equipment on.
There are better things to come but I have to make adjustments to get there.
I can’t properly shoot toward what’s ahead, until I remove the equipment no longer needed.
So what does that look like?
I don’t know. I’m still working on that.
There are time and priority adjustments, saying no to some things and yes to others. I’m evaluating what’s important in my days right now and looking toward the days ahead.
Matt figured out pretty quickly the change needed and did it.
It may take me a little longer but I’ll get there. I’m on my way. God and I are doing some adjusting, re-evaluating and working it out.
So what about you?
How are things for you? Are you shooting at the basket but not scoring points?
Can I encourage you?
- Some days we don’t make the shot… but that doesn’t mean Game Over.
- Take time to re-evaluate, make adjustments and remove what’s no longer needed.
- Try a new approach and dare to believe good things are on their way.
Paul writes in Philippians 3: 12-14 (NIV) – “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…. I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.”
Let’s remove what’s holding us back, shoot for what’s ahead and win our game.
Today is a new day. Let’s make it count.
Have a great day, friends.
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Linking up with: #TellHisStory, #CoffeeForYourHeart, #ThreeWordWednesday, #HeartEncouragementThursday,
Tripping Over Typeset 
Such a great picture of perseverance and shedding our baggage!
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Thank you, Angela. That’s exactly how I’m feeling… persevere and shed some baggage. Thanks for stopping over and jumping in!
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I think my juggling finally ran me over the past two weeks where I had to get on my knees, and pray for guidance to help seek the way through this new way of juggling the demands of work, adjusting to getting up early with a middle schooler, and trying to be a mom too………..I am so thankful God can show me how to make it through. Thank you for always writing just what I need to read!
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So glad it was an encouragement to you, Mary! You are a great mom and you are doing a fantastic job! Love and hugs to you!
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Thanks for painting such a great picture of what it feels like to be in a new season of life. I loved the photos of your little guy–such a trooper! I am so grateful that God is walking with us to set the pace, and bring us into the changes that are needed! I am blessed to be your neighbor over at #TellHisStory this week!
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Thank you Bettie for stopping over and jumping in!
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First off, moving…ugh. I’m convinced it’s one of the most treacherous life changes. And yes – it can really derail our schedules, patterns, and the overall order of life. So grateful for that balm of grace that promises that if this days basket wasn’t made, there will be a new chance tomorrow. 😉 Praying that God gives you wisdom and heaps of grace as you find your new normal. Hugs, friend.
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Thanks Tiffany! Yes, it’s coming along!😉
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i read somewhere last week that God is always moving our nest so that we remember that He’s the One to depend on. True? My nest is always shifting – now I want to remember that! thanks, rachel and hopefully you’ll feel at home Soon!
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Yes, I can see that! I’m settling in well and getting there! Thanks for jumping in and sharing!
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I love this beautiful analogy my friend! Excellent! I am going to save this in my favs for when I get that funk of getting stuck in the muck and the past! Thank you for pressing through in the difficult times! You are a blessing to many and an awesome instrument for the kingdom! WELL DONE my friend! WELL DONE!! #PRESSon! #Writetillyoubleed
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Thank you, Melanie, for your support. You such an encouragement to my heart!
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So nice to meet you Rachel! I love your “About” story about your grandfather. And this post has terrific visuals through your son’s activity. My boys are grown, but sweet and similar memories surfaced as I followed your story. Glad to share it around, too!
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Thanks so much, Teresa! Glad you stopped by and shared with us. Yes, my Grandpa’s print shop holds a special place in my heart. It’s great to meet you!
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I think this is my first time here. Visiting from Heart Encouragement Thursday. Nice to meet you, Rachel. Love the analogy! Praying you can adjust soon. 🙂
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Thank you, Kelly! Great to connect with you as well! Happy Thursday to you!
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