The other day a small phrase was brought to my attention. It has been rolling around my mind trying to find a place to grow. Again, today I was listening to some music and one of the band members said that we need to “lean in.” What does it actually mean to “lean in”? I believe, if you boil it down to simple truths – it means to try harder.
To “lean in” implies several actions. It means to listen on purpose. It means to focus your attention. Commitment, desire, a hunger for more than just the status quo are also good definitions.
Why should anyone have the desire to “lean in”? Many times, we live life by just floating through. We never really make the decision to invest our whole being in anything. We just don’t like to commit. We’d rather keep our options open – am I right?
Unfortunately, when we give only a portion of ourselves- we in turn only get a portion back. This leaves us feeling empty and used. A cycle of discontent begins that pushes us further away from actually living a fulfilled life.
This process of “leaning in” covers every aspect of our lives. Relationships. Jobs. Debt relief. Diets. Health. The list can go on with out a doubt. However, I have left one particular aspect out of this list. The one that truly matters. The one that will encapsulate the entire list in one fail swoop. That is God.
If we focus, desire, and commit to a life that we on purpose listen to God. Our hearts will feel contentment and we will have direction. That empty and used feeling will dissipate. If you want joy. Real joy. Then decide to “lean in” to God and listen with your heart. Don’t settle for the status quo anymore.
Look into your mind’s eye – if you want to smell a flower – you bend down and are reward with the fragrance. If you want to kiss the head of a sweet baby – you bend down. The mere act of bending down is reverence for someone or something. It is worth the effort! Try and see!
LaDonna Fridenmaker~Writer 