Shift Gears

Life, like a car, requires a combination of systems and inputs to make it operate. It's up to the driver to start the car, grab the wheel and shift gears when needed – unless you're using cruise control or in a Waymo (a driverless car).

Many of us are familiar with how automatic cars work – it's easy and smooth sailing. You start the car, press the gas pedal, and it shifts gears on its own. Fueled by momentum, it's driven by energy with many parts working together. Such as life, if we are not watchful, we can be in automatic mode, allowing it to drive us and the next thing you know we're crying out lyrics from Deborah Cox,"How did you get here?"

That said, a manual car, a.k.a. a stick shift – requires full attention from the driver. If you want to accelerate, you have to shift up. If you need to slow down, it's necessary to shift down. Headway demands effort and action.

The road of life is similar, movement towards your destiny requires fuel, power, and direction. Plus, if you don't learn how to shift gears, you might get stuck in neutral, possibly spin out of control or even breakdown and stall. For example, if you don't learn to shift out of fear into faith you could risk premature wear. Consequently, if you are not intentional about shifting on purpose when life demands it, it can take a huge toll on your soul (the engine) and your spirit (the transmission).

Fueling your soul takes quality time and it's in the sacred moments with your Heavenly Father that you will gain strength, clarity and focus for your journey. Disciplines like prayer, fasting, and studying the Bible is where your soul is replenished and connected with Him.

I invite you today to bust a move in this month of new beginnings. Life is not meant for us to take a backseat or be a passenger en route. As the season is signaling for change, take control over your life and shift gears.