Some people are prone to act first and think later. I, on the other hand, tend to think, think, ponder, think and act...hmm, maybe later. I had a list of questions I would walk thru before possibly taking a step. "Why do I feel compelled to do this? Is this a God prompting? Or is this just a hair-brained idea of mine? What is the other person going to think? How might they respond? What do I say?" .... and the list goes on.  

Of course there are certainly times when asking more questions or waiting is wise.  But recently, I was challenged to just say yes. Ask one question: Is there any reason God would say no to this? IF the answer is no - jump in before the window closes. 

How that plays out...

I was stopped at a light on my way home from work. There was an empty lawn bag on the ground next to me which I had swerved to avoid. So begins the internal dialogue. "I should pick that up." "Why? It's not mine." "I wonder how many people will pass that." "It's not like the owner is coming back for it." "Who picks up the trash off the streets?" "I wonder how contaminated that thing is?" "It's just a bag! Pick it up!" I opened the car door, leaned out, and grabbed it. (Thanks to Young Life, I feel the need to trash-walk the world.)

I was going through the Arby's drive-thru for a late lunch. (Still trying to convince my co-workers 2.30pm is a perfectly normal lunch time.) "I should pay for the guy behind me." "What if he thinks I'm hitting on him? No." "What if he is taking food back for people and his order is really expensive?" "What if he thinks I'm weird?" "What if he follows me?" (Did I mention, I'm an over thinker?) "Just pay for it!" Turns out it was only $8 or $9, and nothing weird happened. (One time the cashier didn't let me pay for someone else...that was a weird interaction...but that's a different story.)

I was waiting in line on an exit ramp, not going to make the next light. I could see the lady holding her sign on the corner. "I should give her a $10" "But I owe somebody that $10." "I have a $20 too." "Deal! and I have a church invite." Interesting how often God asks me to spend money. But I'm told if you look at your bank account it shows where your heart is. 

I know these are simple examples, but I think even those to death. With the Holy Spirit's help, I'm striving to be a girl of action - to say "Yes" to that little voice. Oh to be faithful in the little things Luke 16.10, Luke 19:17 so that I am attuned to and practiced up for when He asks the big things.