Here’s another bit of clear wisdom that, once discovered, became a basic approach for how to live life. That’s in spite of not always knowing the clear way forward (which is a lot of the time).
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle,
for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. Ecclesiastes 11:6
There it is, from the highest authority. We’re advised, even exhorted, to get into action even though all we have is blind faith and an idea. Or are conflicted between various ideas.
There are no promises in this life for 100 percent success every time. That’s what we’d like. Somehow we think God should give it to us. Particularly if we’re friends. But that’s not how this scripture says it works.
Rather it says, “Try things. Try multiple things.” If they all work, get ready for time management.
There are no guarantees but one: If you do nothing, nothing will happen.
Somehow knowing that life is a big experiment is liberating, even exhilarating. I don’t have to wait until everything is perfectly lined up, all the questions are answered and I’m good enough, smart enough, rich enough, confident enough. If I’m always waiting for all that, it could be all week before I do something, or all year.
Or all life.
God created human beings, not automatons. And here He’s calling us to remember that. We’ve been given brains, emotions, and wills. We’re not just subject to instincts. That’s for the animals. They just do it. No decision. (Or indecision.) We, however, live in a less sure landscape. Ours is to use the head, explore the options, and then move out . . . in one direction or the other. Or both in their time.
We can’t know how it will go; and that’s a beautiful thing to know.
We’ve been given permission–even admonition–to experiment, to explore, to initiate, to delve.
If we try enough things, something’s bound to work. Even stumbling along is progress.
Without the sails set, the rudder is useless.
So, what is it that’s been in your mind to do but you haven’t for one reason or ten? That’s a seed. It’s the Author of Life that’s telling us to get that seed in the ground . . . in the morning. Then get another in the ground in the evening. You don’t know which will take. In time you could have a garden, or an orchard.
Or the whole North 40.
Let me know what you think . . . and in time, what happens.
_________
Next: “On Not Seeing the Future.” Coming Wednesday (trusting it’ll come).
Feel free to share with a friend.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:26 am
Wonderful words Hyatt! Curt and I have been discussing this very thing lately. I’m going to pass this on to him and both of us will take your words (and God’s word) to heart. Bless you! (and love and hugs to Anne)
11:11 am
I felt that scripture was for me almost 20 years ago … along with the notion that I plant the seed and God grows the tree and I needed to try things and watch what God will do. That is how I branched out into photography, which to me was like walking on water at the time. And I needed and prayed for courage and planted the seed.
Am at an interesting time right now and your words remind me. :) Thank you.
11:21 am
Excellent words of wosdom & admonition, Hyatt! We so often let our own apathy anchor us, rather than oebying the promptings of the Spirit. Thanks!
3:35 pm
Thanks Hyatt…
Great encouragement. I have often tried new things, and often thought they didn’t work out like I thought they would. Then much later, I discovered that they actually worked our better than I could have imagined.
5:43 pm
Oh Hyatt! Another outstanding one! I do so look forward to your words in this blog everyday! You are so smart and funny and wise all at the same time! Soooooooo, this one you once again hit the nail on the head! I wanted to hide when you said all this because I get afraid to try things and to not produce perfection every time! I don’t try things because I am afraid sometimes that i will fail and that everyone who knows will feel sorry for me. Sad because the things I have been brave enough to try, some of them, have really turned out well. When I read this, I feel so much better about trying somemore and to not be afraid! Why do I allow fear to enter in—–I am not sure. I do love this life God has blessed me with and I do trust God. So, I am not sure why I still slam on the brakes so often becoming a mouse instead of a warrior!
Life is so much more fun when you can try things and not be afraid! Thank you for these God inspired words of such magnitude and wisdom, once again! I feel so much more encouraged Hyatt! Love love Lisa. PS I had Kevin listen to the entabulator and he and I were just laughing and laughing! :)
7:01 am
Thank you, Hyatt. Just what I needed!
7:14 am
You have no idea how timely and wonderful this wisdom is for me. Thank you Hyatt!!
8:24 am
As a spoken word person, I often try out a new piece in front of an audience to see how it flies. The other night I did that and it kind of bombed. However, one person came up to me afterwards and told me that the piece, (it was his birthday) spoke to his life. You can’t always look for an orchard; maybe just one apple is enough under some circumstances.
9:25 am
Great point, Hyatt. One idea that I’ve picked up on, which was reinforced this past weekend at a men’s breakfast I attended, was that God always calls us to something greater that who we are. And that’s where the faith factor comes into play as we step out into new territory. And hindsight tells me this is true! When I’ve set all fear, anxiety, and worry aside and gone for it, I either discover it wasn’t for me (oh, well), it was for me (yes!), or that it’s a step in the right direction, only it needs to be tweeked this way or that… and that’s good! There are times to be still and listen, but we don’t move in there. Like you say, the ship’s got to be going forward. May we all call on the Giver of life for that initiative that keeps us growing.
3:50 pm
Thank you Hyatt. The sailing reference spoke to me. I have found myself in the”doldrums” when my sails aren’t up, and talking to my 22 year old the other day helped me realize when we are young (or young at heart?) we seem to have our sails up and ready for any winds, any challenge, any direction, any time. Thanks for reminding me to get going!
7:33 am
Spot on Hyatt! Thank you.
10:36 pm
Praise God! Thank you, Hyatt!
1:04 pm
This was one of my favorite lessons we learned going through Ecclesiastes. Your right, it is totally freeing to grasp this great truth and I fully agree that there is good even in our failures, as long as with do them with the right motives. Moral of the story, GO FOR IT!
3:36 pm
Boy did I need that little “push” to get me moving on an idea that hasn’t gone away but seems “goofy”… yet exciting at the same time. I will let you know if I observe any sprouting coming up from this seed.
12:32 pm
How amazingly timely for me! Add prophet to your bio details!