Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Following a one-year old around all day can be very interesting. A few weeks ago, we were on an “adventure” in the driveway (I have learned that little boys like adventures). For some reason, Shep had maneuvered his way in a small crack between a rock wall and a Suburban, and he was using all of his might to push the Suburban back. Needless to say, he was not successful. J

While Shep looks just like his Daddy, he is strong-willed and stubborn like his Mama. He got himself so worked up that he couldn't push the suburban out of the way and continue down his trail.

So, I started gently telling him to change directions and walk around the car. He didn’t listen. My voice became more stern, and he STILL didn’t listen (he might have gotten that trait from me, too). He was even starting to hurt himself by BANGING his head on the rock wall (another thing little boys do - I don't understand this one).  I didn’t know what else to do, so I yanked him in the other direction and carried him around the car.

Sometimes we find ourselves in those situations. We are STUCK between a rock and a hard place and we think if we just work harder, longer, or smarter then we will be able to find traction and continue down our path. This can happen in our relationships, in our careers, and in many other places in our lives. But sometimes, we don't need to work harder, longer, or smarter. Sometimes, our course needs to change, and we need to submit ourselves to God and ask for His direction.

I know this has been true for me. Before this major career change took place, I found myself thinking if only I could get more organized, then I could do it all. I had many “if only” statements, but none of them seemed to be successful.  

No matter how much I tried, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I was going down a path, and God was asking me to change my course. At first, His voice was gentle and then it grew more stern. By the end of it (when I was banging my head against the wall), He was yanking my arm and carrying me.

 

Now, looking back, I can see more clearly. The sad part is that I could have missed a lot of pain and experienced more joy if I would have been obedient sooner. If I would have put my desires to the side and asked God for His direction.

It has been 2 months since I took this leap of faith and changed my course. Many of my sweet friends have asked how I am doing, and honestly, I think they brace themselves for my answer. The truth is that I feel more JOYFUL than I have ever been. I feel like I am sitting right where I need to be, and that is an amazing feeling. 

 

Just to be clear: my new job is seriously hard and I'm not doing it perfectly. Just last week, I burned plastic while cooking TWO nights in a row. My kitchen still smells like burnt plastic a little bit. But even though it is hard, it is good. So good. I think that happens when you are obedient. Even though things aren't perfect, you can still experience the joy and life around you. 

Also, as a side note, this is NOT a blog post about being a stay at home mom. This is a blog post about following God's direction for your life - whatever that looks like for YOU. Life is hard. Parenting is even harder. We need more love and less judgment. 

If you have found yourself between a rock and a hard place, there is a way out. Don't bang your head on the rock wall. He can show you the right path. Whether it is a change in your career, a relationship, or your lifestyle. Life is too short to stay between a rock and a hard place. 

I got out. You can, too. 

Hope floats,
Meg