Something New

Have you heard Darius Rucker’s new single, “For The First Time”? It’s goes a little something like this:

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Let yourself go, follow that feeling

Maybe something new is what you’re needing

Like a real life, let your hair down, feel alive

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I love country music. And this one is a fun, feel good tune. And its message also really rings true.

For the last few months, I’ve been feeling unsettled. Uninspired. Numb, even. My work has felt draining, and I’ve had this craving for something new.

I’ve been stuck in a routine the last couple years, living my life on autopilot: Get up. Go to work. Go to the gym. Come home and veg out. Repeat.

I’ve been existing in my comfort zone, totally unaware of the damage it was causing my life and my soul. (That’s where the devil wants us.)

One day last month it dawned on me that I can’t keep doing the same things and expecting different results. I have got to get out of my comfort zone if I ever expect to grow and move from merely existing to really thriving.

So I decided to start small and see what happened. You want to know the first thing I did?

Well, I was overdue for an oil change. So I decided to be rebellious and go to a different service center. I know, I know. It’s scandalous.

I settled on a place close to home (#convenience). I was in and out in 30 minutes. I received a discount, and they even vacuumed out my car for free. I called my husband on the way home and was raving about my amazing experience. (And he was laughing at me.)

Feeling really bold, I decided to keep this challenge going. Next, I went to Target and instead of defaulting to Puffs like usual, I chose Kleenex. I also bought blue nail polish — a quirky color I’ve never worn before.

OK, you’re probably thinking that this sounds really silly and over the top. And I agree. But I share this story to illustrate that it doesn’t matter what you do, just do something, anything new.

These small changes have set in motion a deeper shift in my life. It’s like I was shaken awake and reminded that I must choose to live on purpose, because I was created for a purpose.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)

God is in the business of changing lives. He wants to set us free and do something new. But often our human nature gets the best of us. We cling to comfort. We resist change. We crumble in the face of fear.

When I accepted Christ in high school, I became a new creation. I felt changed internally, but I was afraid to live my faith out loud.

Recently, God reminded me that he’s put it on my heart to start a blog and begin using my gifts to bring him glory and encourage others.

This blog is the fruit of my little experiment to shake things up, embrace change, and start living on purpose.

So let me ask you: When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I challenge you to try one new thing this weekend. It doesn’t matter how silly or small. All that matters is the simple act of stepping out of your comfort zone. You never know where God will lead you next!

I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment with the one new thing you’re going to try this weekend.

Have a happy holiday weekend!

Love,

Chelsea