A little red convertible sports car keeps revving it’s engine in my old soul during my mid-life, bidding me onward to new highways and byways, to mountaintops, my hair blowin’ in the breeze kind of freedom that’s calling me to grow and stretch in new ways. To tell you the truth, I expected slower drives through small country towns, a few picnics butterfly watching in valleys filled with wildflowers, and settling into myself, the self I worked long and hard to nurture and grow for over a half a century.
Yet, I’m sensing when we commit to a life with God, we’re a work in progress regardless of age, wisdom, or even our ignorance, we’re continually called to rise, grow, stretch and shine, becoming all we can be in God’s eyes.
As many of you know, I’m preparing for the empty nest just ahead after 18 years of motherhood. This is like downshifting my old four door Mercedes as it descends downhill, it’s worn driver’s seat now ripping at the seams, as I breathe in a sigh of relief after a long journey. I marvel at the fact that for years I lived a good portion of life these past years in this little car that could, squeezing in a pack of teens like sardines for endless drives to school, theater rehearsals, drives home from late night parties, and to and from never ending social events. I still hear their musical tributes and silliness flying out the window into the California wind, joy racing in my heart, hormones soaring, both theirs and mine, in our little rolling community on wheels.
Since there’s none of that now, I find myself pulling over to lookout points, glimpsing new vistas ahead, avoiding rethinking my life, the needed re-inventing of myself, re-creating my work, and considering how I’ll spend spans of my time soon opening wide.
The red convertible is of course a metaphor of Jesus calling me to new life of hope and freedom, a freedom that requires me to stretch in becoming more Christ-like, to create new ventures, to grow and evolve into the full woman God meant for me to be.
Yet, don’t we all resist changing and growing? Don’t we, when we feel that nudge to grow, to become leaders in our communities, to begin a calling, to end self-loathing and become empowered, don’t we against our better judgement, linger at lookout points, unpack picnics, and then head back home to our safety nests to watch a little TV, allowing a kind of numbness to rule our lives?
How familiar is Moses’ response after God calls him to lead the Jews from oppression by the Egyptians?
“I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
Yet, so many of us nobodies, in God’s eyes, are somebodies.
And we’re called to rise.
And we’re called to stretch and grow.
Did you know rise is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible?
David’s life catapults forward. From shepherd to King, he perseveres fleeing King Saul’s relentless, bitter, jealousy and death threats.
Esther, too, called from a harem to become Queen risked her life to save the Jewish people in exile in Persia from extermination.
And Sarah, how patient she must have been thousands of moments of barrenness, even in her grumbling and jealousies, awaiting motherhood, then giving birth as an old lady.
Job, oh, what suffering and wrestling with God as he faced wretched loss, despair, bitterness, and poverty of spirit — finally finding humility, restoration and a new, abundant life.
Sometimes to stretch, change and grow is just hard.
Other times, it’s scary, yet we’re called to take first steps – or leaps.
Jesus says to the crippled man, Arise, take up your mat, and walk. – John 5:8
Or, Jesus calls Peter, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water and went toward Jesus. -Matthew 14:29
Granted, storms swirl in the heart of our risk-taking, and we’ll be afraid. But like Peter, we must take the steps needed anyway, knowing Jesus is always waiting with open arms.
When Peter faced the fierce wind and began to sink and he was afraid and began to go down in the water, he called out, `Lord, save me!’
Right away Jesus put out his hand and took hold of him. – Matthew 14:30
Sometimes stretching means we need to give up everything we have to serve others. This is a must in order to know the fullness of God’s desire for our lives. Sometimes it means uprooting to move to a new location, leaving a secure job to start a ministry, or it means loosening our hold on our bank accounts to give to those in need. Jesus tells the rich ruler:
You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Luke 18:22
I ponder the lives of these biblical heroes and heroines before me, wondering — what is God asking of me now in this transitional stage of my life? What does red convertible road freedom really mean in the sense of the true freedom Christ’s offers?
As I rethink my career post-motherhood, revisiting old, dusty cob web filled rooms of my former work-life, dusting off dormant skills, shining them up, I pray for God to help guide me in entering uncharted territory for new, purposeful work ahead, to replace my worn out spark plugs with strength and courage to do the work before me with gusto.
I seek the essence in everything before me of Moses’ obedience, the courage and faithfulness of King David and Queen Esther, the patience of Sarah, the emotional wherewithal of Job, the fearlessness in Peter’s first step off the boat, the crippled man’s faith, and the wisdom to give up what I need to follow Christ’s call.
Rising and stretching is like stepping into a red convertible for a journey through new byways and highways, and maybe even a long, winding drive to mountaintops. It’s being obedient to following God’s call to step out into the unknown, to grow and change, to listen for the still small voice that says, “Go this way”. Sun shining bright, wind whipping through our hair, we bring along our hat, shades and sunscreen, and God’s word inscribed on our hearts. It’s a new journey ahead.
He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and sets me on my high places. –-Psalm 18:33
Do you sense a rising and stretching for Christ in your own life? Whose story in scripture can help you navigate a new phase in your life?
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What an encouraging and inspirational message! I love your analogies and how you are setting out on new journey (as an empty-nester) with praise and purpose.
thanks so much Sarah, I love how God always surprises us with new found energy and adventures! Blessings!
“Yet, so many of us nobodies, in God’s eyes, are somebodies.” Amen! We are all made equally, and His purpose. I am in the midst of an Esther study right now, learning how our history really does have a place in our lives, and is important to our story. To try to amputate it, the hurts, trials, falls from grace, only decreases who God made us to be instead of trusting in the life of redemption and that He can use all of things for good and to glorify His name.
I love the story of Esther and reflecting on how our these powerful biblical stories can guide our own lives! And yes, God uses turns our weaknesses into strengths for the better good of those we can go on to bless!
God’s got great things in store for you. I’ve had many wonderful stretching experiences since my empty nest began. It’s been great, but also challenging, because I’ve had to rely on God more than ever before. It’s been a season of growing and growing closer to Him. It will be good. Wait and see!
Oh Debbie, thanks for the empty nest encouragement! I can see how this new phase in our lives calls us to rely more on God to help reshape our lives in new ways. I think growing closer to God will be the best part of this new season! Love your encouragement! Blessings!
My empty nest has brought new opportunities that have stretched me. God has great things in store for you. It will more than you could ever expect. I would encourage you to prepare yourself by getting in the Word and just seeking Him. He will equip you for those new works ahead.
sooo love your hopeful words! I learn so much from women like yourself who go before me..!!
I remember those melancholy days when my youngest was about to leave the nest. I’m in a season now of something changing. God is doing something & bringing new things my way. I always enjoy your posts and encouragement. (Visiting today from #RaRaLinkup where we are neighbors.)
thank you Karlene..you and so many women ahead of me on this empty nest issue are so very encouraging! I love the bigger story of God guiding us all to stretch and grow! Blessings! Love your visiting!
Wow, I’m so glad I found your blog – it is such a breath of fresh air. And yes, I can relate to the newness that comes with new beginnings. Mine is of a different making but new nonetheless. I love how God doesn’t allow us to settle and become too comfortable. He’s always calling us to higher and higher heights. It’s just a matter of whether we choose to follow His leading and be transformed into our more amazing selves or stay in the safe zone. I bet I know which one you’re choosing everyday!
Thank you Marva! Yes, this is a new realization for me that God is always calling us to new heights..I love what you say in that we have a choice to follow..and “be transformed into our more amazing selves”. That’s a beautiful way to say it! I’d love to share again!
This is just gorgeous. I feel so inspired. I’m still a ways off from the empty nest, but I can identify with the desire for new life when this stage is over. Moses was 40 when he went to the desert, and 80 when he came back to get his people. I keep thinking about that. Age is nothing to God.
Thank you Jennie, I’m so glad this inspired you as I sense you’re on a new journey even now..Reflecting back on my years,
God was stretching me in so many ways as a mother..always stretching us!..Wow..didn’t realize Moses was 40 when he went into the dessert,,and 80 when he came back to his people. That’s amazing!
So many of the Bible characters you mentioned are my favorite ones – for simply this reason. They were nobodies called to RISE! (I had no idea that words is used so often!) I am in a transitional phase right now myself, and the easier thing to do would be to just try to get comfortable where I am and avoid new challenges… but I am absolutely certain God is calling me to something higher than that. I love that you are welcoming this new season, knowing that God still has so much for you.
Hi Ashley, thanks for visiting, and I’m excited to hear God’s calling you to a new and higher challenge. I pray it will
be a great adventure for you, too!
Ohhh, when we have the life of Jesus in us how can we not grow and stretch? My mantra is ‘change or die.’ I choose change.
And stories in the Bible I relate to? Ms. Anna, the prophetess in the temple who saw Jesus when he was dedicated. She waited her ENTIRE life (after widowhood) to see the Messiah, watching at the gates. I’m encouraged–I want to be like that til my dying days–looking for Jesus.
Hi Jody, love your convictions..and love Anna, the prophetess, what a gift you have learned from her! So grateful for your beautiful comment!
Sometimes I feel like I’ve been stretched to my limits at such a young age. But it seems God’s not done stretching me yet. I’m sure His ways may not always be pleasing to us, but it’s always for the best.
Thank you for such an encouraging post.
I, too, relate to being stretched to limits at such a young age Lux..I think this is a preparation for the work God has for us later! So happy to have you visit!
Oh how inspiring it is to read your transitional hopes and angst and excitement for what God has in store for you, my friend. I LOVE your analogies- they are truly meant for us all- at the many turns we all face in our lives. Where is God calling us to go? Do we trust in His Plan at the corner of where we’ve been and we’re we are to be? I just KNOW God has great plans for you, my friend. I’m thrilled to be a witness to your journey. <3
Thanks so much dear Chris, I feel so grateful we can share in this journey, to inspire one another on the twists, turns and mountain climbs.
It truly is an adventure, and I’m blessed to know you and encourage one another as we heed the calls and listen for God’s direction! I KNOW God has great plans for you,too Chris!! Bless you!
I love the name of your blog, and love the focus here today. We should (I should) be ready for new journeys. I like how you brought out the challenges and rewards of those.
Thanks!
April
Thank you April, I love that you visited!
Oh – I want to join you for a ride in that red convertible when I have all of my kids in full-day school this fall. That transition feels like a big one to me after 10 years of parenting at home. I too am dusting off, looking backward and forward. Your post is a good reminder for me to be prepared for God’s unexpected surprises. I also appreciate the energy in your writing. Have a great week!
I can’t wait Kelly for the red convertible ride with you in the fall! At least we can imagine the adventure! 10 years of parenting is
over half way before they leave home..motherhood, so amazing, and yet, we need that dreaming! Blessings, and so appreciate your encouragement and love sharing on #smallwonders!
“I still hear their musical tributes and silliness flying out the window into the California wind, joy racing in my heart, hormones, soaring, both theirs and mine, in our little rolling community on wheels.” Such sweetness Kathy. It is an absolute delight to be in that community on wheels with our talented, expressive and fun loving theater sons and daughters. It is soothing salve to be on this approach to empty nesting with you dear sister.
“And we are called to rise. And we’re called to stretch and grow.” So what if I don’t want to? I envy Marva who states: “I love how God doesn’t allow us to settle and become too comfortable.” I would absolutely positively enjoy a long stretch of time where I could be completely comfortable and rest from life’s demands. I don’t know exactly how I thought life became easier as we approached retirement age….somehow I got that wrong message. So my dear Kathy and wonderful Holy Vacation Queen bloggers……thank you for the reality check that we must be prepared to rise, stretch and grow every day. This is a powerfully important message for me. I know for me to best rise, stretch and grow there is a great amount of discernment about how to best spend my time. I am learning the less time I spend with technology and the more time spent in meditation, in nature and with beloved friends and family….the better I am prepared to rise. Thank you everyone for your great inspirational writings.
What an inspiring post. “Yet, so many of us nobodies are somebodies, in God’s eyes, are somebodies”. I love that sentence because we are all somebodies. Welcome, to the empty nest. I love it. We are like high-school sweethearts again. YEP we missed the kids, but they went to college and married and now we have two grandsons and they are here a whole lot.
Thank you Debbie for visiting! So happy it inspired you! And thanks for your inspiration about the empty nest..I hear more and more
women saying they are loving it! Especially love the renewed romance!!
Leaving my comfort zone which basically consisted of home was always a challenge for me. Then I settled into my teaching job. But blogging has been a stretch, esp having my own site, not just being part of a group but I recall Ruth’s determination to stick with Naomi and provide for both of them. It might not seem related but I figure if this girl can move to a strange land and adjust, fit in and thrive, so will I in this blogging venture to the glory of God.
Thanks so much for writing Edith! Comfort zones are just that, comfortable and hard to leave! I’m so glad though
you’ve stretched with your writing. I love your example of Ruth stretching to stay with Naomi, and her determination to move
to a strange land and thrive is such a great model to follow!! We can learn so much from the women in the Bible! I think often
of Deborah when I don’t have courage to lead and rise!! Blessings Edith!