Let's talk Starbucks secret menu drinks! 🥤 (Did you know that even exists??) The premise is that the company will customize any drink, any way you want. So at some point in recent history, “secret menu” options went viral. (Here's a few to get you started!) You order something on the real menu, then customize the heck out of it to get something totally new! I'm a big fan of the Cinderella Latte- pumpkin spice with white chocolate. (White pumpkin. Get it?) 😉 Is it my typical order? No. But it's a great way to mix it up, to feel new and excited!
A new take on classic ingredients can be just what we need.
This spring I joined a lovely small group reading
Adele Calhoun's “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook." The book is a huge collection of different practices/ideas/ways to connect with God. It was such a fun way to try new things! I wanted to share an idea that I found very helpful, on the off chance it might just help you, too:
An exercise on Discernment.
If you're following my blog, you know that I am approaching a transition in life. Thus far, my strategy has been pray and wait. (Sounds solid) This exercise said:
“Catalog major decisions in your life to date. Beside each one, write your decision-making process. Which decisions felt best and worst? Why?”
My inner Rory Gilmore whooped for joy! Charts and lists are my friends.😍 I excitedly flipped to a fresh page in my journal, laid out some colorful pens, and started to ponder. Of all my major decisions, I charted:
- Applying to college
- Getting my first job
- Getting married
Impactful, fork-in-the-road moments, yes? I discovered they all had one thing common: I don't remember it being much of a choice. In each of these transitions, I had a clear path ahead. An obvious winner. My heart was never torn between 2+ viable options, keeping me up at night, weighing the options.
- My university was just right for me.
- That teaching job was just right for me.
- My sweet Andrew was just right for me. 😘
God opened the right door at the right time not once, but several times! He planted me specifically. I prayed and waited. AND He presented the obvious winner when the time was just right. I can trust Him to continue to steer my life in the same way. If my heart isn't pulling a certain direction today, my only conclusion, is that it must not be time to decide.
A new take on the classic “pray and wait" was so helpful for me! If you're facing a transition or decision, I invite you to try it. Thankfully, there's no “secret menu” of spiritual disciplines. God is always loving and listening. But maybe a little remix of your go-to practices can shed new light.
…fun, exotic Starbucks beverage optional. 😉
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