is for vicarious.
Much like the rest of the world, I watched some of the Olympics several weeks ago. Probably like you, I was very impressed with the athleticism and determination of the athletes in each sporting event. And also like you, I sat there and thought, "Wow, I wish I was that good at _____________ (No, not equestrian sports........gymnastics of course). But alas, my gymnastics dreams died years ago amid the piles of mats and the infamous "cheese pit" where I once took lessons. There was no way my lack of flexibility would lead me to the platform for gold. It's fine, I've come to terms with it. I see people around me or in the world who are each outstanding in their little niche. They are inspiring athletes or teachers or parents or writers or volunteers or group leaders or mentors......and the list goes on and on. "Wow," I think, "how inspirational. I wish I could be more like that." I watch and I admire, living vicariously through the successes and talents of others.
Take for example a book I read recently that absolutely floored me. After my friend Heather recommended it, I put in my request at the library. When I saw my queue number, I knew it was going to be an enjoyable read, but I had not idea just how much it would impact me. 7 by Jen Hatmaker is a book about one woman and her seven month journey to fast from the areas of excess in her life. Each month, she chose something which she and her family were incredibly wasteful of and limited her involvement in it. For example, one month she only ate seven different foods to better understand what it's like to live in other countries of poverty where there are millions starving daily. In yet another month, she gave away seven possessions a day to those in need. Talk about making me feel like an overly selfish individual. Again, the words that came to my mind were, "I wish I could be more like that!" Radical, action-oriented, someone leaving a footprint of change in my circles of influence and beyond.
So why not? I can't sit around and hope that the people who inspire me will simply rub off some of their awesomeness on me. I can't vicariously enjoy and be impacted by their courage and action and pretend that they represent people like me. No, it's time to step up to the plate. Here are some things that I'm learning as I ponder my desire to let God use me as an instrument in powerful ways.
1. My talents aren't the same as someone else's skills and abilities. Just because they are making a difference in an incredible way doesn't mean that I can or should expect for God to use me in that same exact way. He made us unique for a reason.
2. If I'm desiring to make a difference, then I can't have my cake and eat it too. It requires stepping outside of comfort zones and letting go of what our society says we each "deserve." How twisted is that expectation anyways? I deserve nothing. Every good and perfect gift is from above... (James 1:17) Every blessing in my life is an extension of my Father's incredible grace and love. May I return it back to him in full measure.
3. Impacting others doesn't have to take place in obvious, loud, and attention-drawing ways (although sometimes it does)! God moves and uses us in many ways both subtle and obvious. It's not about us and the accolades that we can receive. It's all about bringing glory to Him.
4. Learning and desiring to let God work through me is going to be uncomfortable. It's not for the faint of heart, it's for the heart of faith.
5. Last but not least, it's not alright for me to sit around and wait until I feel ready or deserving of being used by God. One of my dear camp friends once shared a quote with me that says it all. "God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called." As we looked back at every Bible hero outside of Jesus, we find men and women desperately flawed and hopeless. Yet with His power at work in their lives, God used willing and obedient servants to make waves and impact His people.
May I never be content in self-centered living. May we be bold and courageous enough to step out in faith. Let us not live vicariously through warriors of Christ but offer our own hands, feet, and lives to walk the incredible path and adventure that God has planned for each of us.
