When A New Season Begins in Life New Giants Arise.

A new chapter or season begins in your life new giants arise. We must gather up all our own smooth stones and sling and ready for battle.

Over the last several months, scratch that probably the last couple of years I have started focusing on what is important in my life. Rather than being driven by my career and working crazy hours I have started to slow down. Instead of sitting on the couch or in front of the computer I began working out. I began to listen more and to ask for less. Started to have conversations that mattered rather than just to fill the empty air.

In doing all this my heart began to change, I wanted more out of my life. The more being that I wanted to give more than I received. I slowly evolved from the callous person everyone knew me to be. Revealing the heart buried deep inside hidden for so many years. Like young David I picked up my sling while others stood by and finally began to slay the giants that ran my life.

As many know one of those giants was the fear of finishing school. I know that sounds odd but for someone who rarely finished anything (just look at my honey-to-do list and all the unfinished projects), finishing a goal was not normal for me. I had heard all my life whether in real life voices or the ones that lived in my head that I would not amount to much and for years I believed them.

Once I finished school rather than getting the accolades I had expected I received questions about what was next. What do you mean whats next? I just finished why is there a next? The panic and anxiety began to seep into my soul.

Feelings of inadequacy tend to push me to do more. It used to be where I would run away and quit as that was easier than going to battle. This time however the words simply cut and formed scars, thickening my skin for the challenges to come.

While the leaves of the books finally closed and this new chapter began I found other things to put my time into. Instead of focusing on a bigger paycheck or new title I gave away more than I had and received seven-fold in return.

I have been building and maintaining a web adventure for the past year or so with no pay, giving my time and skills away. I volunteered my services at adoption fairs to find homes for strays in our city. Volunteered as the social media manager for a nonprofit in promoting their citywide events. I leave this week for Canaan Haiti on my first mission trip, all things a year ago I would have said no to.

When I have told people the things I do, my passion comes alive and it is obvious that my heart has come alive. There are those of my past, family included that question ‘why‘ I am giving so much away. ‘Why am I doing these things’? The simplest answer that I have is this: When you’re asked to do something out of your comfort zone and after prayer you feel you’re called, it is time to be obedient.

That term, ‘David and Goliath,’ has entered our language as a metaphor for improbable victories by some weak party over someone far stronger. ~Malcolm Gladwell

Writing for example, I have shared my heart, my insecurities and allowed others into a hidden part of my life. Currently I write in hopes that sharing my stories others may relate and find they are not alone. Maybe they too are fighting their own giants and just need someone to hand them a smooth stone.

I have spent too many years and way too much time, talent and energy in things that don’t matter. I have used my sling against giants that were never mine to fight. As this new season sets in and my changes have begun, I look forward to the gifts I get to share being His obedient son.

Now I would like to hear from you: Have you made changes that people just don’t understand? Share your stories below and join the conversation.