Hey!
Early, one Saturday morning, I dressed quickly which is not my norm and hustled out the door to take pictures with my new camera. I wanted the practice and hoped that I could capture the sunrise and possibly, fingers crossed, deer grazing the meadows. My husband was driving which afforded me the opportunity to watch for locations to stop.
As we drove along the Natchez Trace, I spotted a herd of cows by a fence and had him pull over so I could get out. I crept my way towards them. One tentative step at a time. The cows were jittery and skittish. I was afraid that I might spook them. Closer and closer, I made my way until I finally arrived at the fence.
The herd and I eyed one another. Maybe, we even smelled one another because I got a strong whiff of them. I wasn’t afraid of them but I was leery. The fence didn’t look like it would withstand a stampede if they decided to charge me. I think the cows had the same concerns about me except for this little fella who decided to take a risk.
Curiosity got the best of him. He inched his way toward me uncertain what to make of the clicking noise of my camera as I took the shots. Cautiously, he came one step forward, then, took one step back. He was part of a trio but the only one with enough pluck to check me out.
He found his courage but the others didn’t. Boldly, he determined to take the risk. He didn’t walk right towards me or run up to me. He, carefully, tested the waters. But, he came. His need to know outweighed his fear. His curiosity overcame the boundary of potential danger.
I feel like the other cows sometimes. I let the fear take over. I miss out on the richness of discovery because I’m timid to make that first step, that first move, that first action, that first word. I’m afraid of rejection. Afraid of the risk. Afraid of looking silly. Afraid of not knowing the right answer. Just afraid. Sometimes, I call it practicality when really it’s self-preservation.
That little fella did bolt when I, accidentally, lost my balance. But, his brief encounter with me reminded me that boldness can be taken in small steps, in small moves. Each step drawing me nearer and encouraging confidence and boldness to develop within me.
I prefer to be like this little fella. I don’t want anything to hold me back from joining in, speaking out, or stepping forward. All it takes is that first step.
I’ve learned that if I let the obstacles before me keep me from experiencing what God has in store for me, I miss out. I end up with regret. Those very obstacles are the tools He uses quite often to prepare me for a great adventure in my life.
Do you have something you’re longing to do? What do you need plucky courage to do? Will you take the first step?
Blessings,
Mimi
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV Bible
Oh, Mimi, I love this analogy! So much holds me back, but just acknowledging that truth is a good first step toward growth.
Preach it! You’re absolutely right : )
Oh, I love this post! I think I will need to read it…over and over. As far as needing courage, I think I need it in many areas, and with so much on the horizon in our house, I so appreciate the encouragement and the reminder of “stepping forward.” May we all do this and learn to do it…well. Thank you so much, Mimi!
Thanks Katie! I’m glad it blessed you today. Praying for you : )
Hi Mimi! I’m a fellow writer in the (in)Courager group! Love this post. While I was reading it I couldn’t help but think of my own family in comparison to the herd of cows. (Yikes, I’m comparing my family to a herd of cows! Well, we are like a herd of cows in a lot of ways. 🙂 ) But I see myself as the older cows, not exploring. And I see my boys as the little cow, brave and taking chances. looking forward to reading through the rest of your blog and getting to know you in the group!
Thanks Nikki! Glad you stopped by!
Hi Mimi, (I left a comment on this earlier, but it may have disappeared! Blast! Technology and I are not always friends. My apologies if you get two comments on this from me!) I’m also in the (in)Couraging Writers group with you. loved this post. I couldn’t help but compare my family to the herd of cows. Myself as the older, non-chance-taking cow, my boys as the risk-takers. Looking forward to getting to know you in the group and looking through your blog!
I have the same troubles with technology : )
Oh I love this! And what a cute calf. 🙂
I really like how you pointed out that boldness can be taken in tiny steps. I will remember that I think 🙂 thank you!
Thanks Erika! I really appreciate it.
Love this! Glad to have found your through (in)courage! Looking forward to getting to know you more there!
Thanks Sybil! I’m looking forward to it too.
Baby steps as the way to boldness - beautiful! I believe we need to take baby steps in all areas because even though the progress is slow it is steady. Visiting from (in)courage writers!
Blessings, Mary!
Thanks Mary!
“Sometimes, I call it practicality when really it’s self-preservation.” A big “me too” to that. It’s nice to be taking baby steps to this boldness thing. 🙂
Here’s to putting our little baby toes in the water : )