Shift

There are times when I find myself drifting along in the normal flow of life and feel bored or perhaps complacent. I am not a patient person and believe that people only get to live life 1 time. Therefore, we must make the most of every moment, never ceasing to settle for anything less than saying "I've squeezed every drop of life out of today" every night at bedtime. So, I believe being bored keeps me unimaginative. Being bored keeps me comfortable. Being bored keeps me cautious. None of these is good. However...

When it comes to group life I think being bored is not totally bad. I mean, it's part of the ebb and flow of life and we shouldn't feel too bad if we find ourselves bored with our spot in group life. I've often heard preachers give proclamations that being bored or complacent is a sign that we're not growing closer to God. While there may be some truth to this statement, I believe that when we're bored is when things can be most exciting!

For a change in knowledge, skill, understanding or action to take place there must be a shift from one way of thinking (this is what led to boredom) to a new way of thinking. Being bored is the deep breath before the plunge into creativity, in fact it necessitates creativity! Being bored is an acknowledgement that things must change. Being bored fires up the creative juices, ignites the adventurous spirit, and unleashes the limitless possibilities of what could be. Being bored is one step from really living. What a rush!

Perhaps your experience in your small group is such that you are simply bored. Tired of the same people week in and week out, you say to your spouse maybe with a hint of guilt "Is it time to move on to a different group?" Or perhaps you feel that you're growing in relationships and through your quiet time, but the group leader's lessons are predictable and somewhat stale. What should you do?

Maybe what you need is a shift in thinking. Perhaps you should re-focus yourself on the purpose of biblical community, realizing that its okay to put a name on boredom with your group. That could be a freeing moment for many in the group. Scary? Yes because we're comfortable. Necessary? Could be.

So where are you? Are you drifting along or intentionally focused on the task at hand, living out God's purpose for your life? Have you experienced the shift yet or are you still waiting...if so, its just around the corner waiting. Embrace it!