Learn

My 12-year-old daughter is playing softball for the very first time this spring. I'm so proud of her for jumping in to buy or borrow the right clothing and equipment. And, she's putting in the hours of practice, where she readily admits she's trying to figure out what the heck she's doing. 

We were discussing this as I drove her to practice the other evening. As we talked, I said something to her that I wholeheartedly believe, but don't always live out, especially as an adult. I said, "It's so awesome how you're giving softball a try. It's so great to try new things out."

Just an hour later, as I watched her practice, I pondered my statement to her and started drafting this blog post.

As an adult, am I living this out? In my work to lead at Fishhook or to help churches communicate more effectively, am I living this out? Are you? 

It's easy to play it safe. It's simpler to keep plugging away at the tried and true approach. It's often more natural to want to avoid change or risk.

But I'm convinced that we are called to be more courageous and bold in our work and lives. 

"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun. Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

And God works through us - through our leadership, communications efforts, creative ideas and more - to bring on this newness, momentum and impact. And I want to be part of it. Don't you?

So what new thing can we try out this spring? Maybe you'll want to give softball a try like my daughter! Or maybe it's time to try something new in your work or even at home.

What new habit or discipline should you start? What new approach will you take as you lead meetings? What marketing or outreach effort will you attempt with your congregation to reach un-churched friends and neighbors? What new social media or online engagement tactic will you try? 

"It's so great to try new things out," I told my tween daughter. And I'm encouraging each of us to do the same!