Adding a bite-sized weekly reflection to our podcast rotation that you can listen to under five minutes. Our first question to ponder together:
Where might God be asking you to begin again?
(Click on the arrow to play episode)
An online acquaintance who knows a lot about podcasting recently reached out and encouraged me to consider publishing a micro podcast – that is, bite-sized, short and sweet podcasts under 5 minutes in length.
This idea immediately captivated my attention and activated my inner desire to create. Ideas flooded my mind on how a bite-sized podcast could serve The Well’s mission. I started writing the script for this first episode. I excitedly typed out a few sentences, only to lose momentum and delete what little was on the page. A new thought came to mind, so I busily typed out those words . . . only to lose more momentum and delete, delete, delete.
The enemy’s voice started whispering thoughts of failure, lack of qualifications, insignificance. Just who do you think you are with this podcast nonsense? No.One.Will.Care!
Dejected and frustrated, I put it all down.
A few days later I’m cleaning a basement closet, and I find a daily devotional book I hadn’t picked up or used in quite some time. As I opened the book, the pages naturally fell to where the bookmark was situated. And wouldn’t you know? The last time I must have read a daily entry in that book was the exact same day on the calendar one year ago as that’s where the book fell open.
The words “Begin again” rested on my heart. Begin again.
Then I remembered a story about Saint Teresa of Avila. It has been written that after Saint Teresa of Avila participated in the sacrament of reconciliation, she would stand outside the confessional and wait for all the sisters in her convent to also finish their individual confessions. And as the sisters came out, she would greet each one, put her hands on their shoulders, look them in the eye and say, “Begin again!”
So here I am, Lord, beginning again, stepping forth in faith and hoping these bite-sized reflections can become a weekly feature for The Well community.
As Advent begins, the Church also begins a new liturgical year. Just as many set New Year’s resolutions on January 1, what a great opportunity in this season of Advent to begin again in our daily walk with Jesus. Where might God be asking you to begin again? Did you join us for the 1% Challenge during Lent but have since fallen out of routine with your commitment to pray fifteen minutes daily? Have you lost the vision or passion on something that could’ve been glorious for our Lord because fear of failure has stopped you in your tracks?
Drink from the well and begin again. Or perhaps just begin and get going by taking the first steps. Allow the Holy Spirit to rekindle your fire and passion. And then trust God will bless your efforts, in His way, in His time. As we read in Philippians 1:4, He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
Weekly prayer prompt: Where might God be asking you to begin again?
Let’s ponder that question together this week as we give ourselves permission to begin again . . . today, tomorrow, and every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
 | Lisa Schmidt is a proud lifelong Iowan and an equally proud alumna of Iowa State University. #GoCyclones! Her roots serve as an inspiration to continually seek opportunities to help make Iowa a great place to live, work, pray, and play. In 2016, Lisa blended her skills for building community with her love for Jesus and founded The Well women’s ministry. Along with her husband Deacon Joel and their four children, the Schmidts are parishioners at St. Pius X in Urbandale, Iowa. |