Initiative: JUST DO IT

Each month at school and church, we study a virtue. Virtue-a good or admirable quality. In September, we studied Respect.  Respect- showing others they are important by what you do and say. As a school teacher, I really like that one!


When I discovered October's virtue, I was thrilled.  I introduced the virtue to my class. My smart students knew what initiative meant on Friday, October 1! The VERY first day of the month.  We talked about initiative, and the students gave me various examples of where they would "see what needs to be done and do it"! I was so excited!! Now, I'd have the perfect class! Each and every student would always do their homework, remember/review their multiplication facts, clean up around their area each day, take up for the under-dog on the playground, make their AR goals, and of couse, put up their chairs up before leaving. My job was going to be a breeze!


But, I gave a multiplication quiz on Monday morning.  Not so good.  I cleaned under THEIR desks, around THEIR desks, and put chairs on top of THEIR desks on Monday afternoon.  Not so good. When returning into the building after recess today, the rug by the door was wadded and folded.  I knew someone would trip and fall at any time.  All stepped over the rug, but no one stopped to unfold it properly. I had to remind them of our virtue for October. Had they forgotten INITIATIVE? Didn't they SEE what needed to be done? So why didn't they just do it? 


I wasn't until I was in FX tonight at church that I finally understood!  I, too, am very good at seeing what  needs to be done.  I saw trash that should have been picked up under desks, chairs that needed to be put up, I even stepped over that very rug that I fussed at my students for not "fixing". It's the doing it part that I struggle with daily. God really got my attention.  When God shows us what needs to be done, it's our job- our responsibility- to do it.  I vividly remember that God told me something last year that He wanted me to do, and I still haven't done it! Oh, I have every excuse in the book- I'm busy, I have busy children, I'm tired, I don't have time, etc.! But it's sin! That's the bottom line! When God lays something on your heart, it is up to us to show "initiative" and JUST DO IT!


Jame 4:17 says, 
"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." (NLT)

That verse convicts me everytime I read it! If you are unsure of some things that need to be done, I can help.  This Sunday our church family has planned several outreach programs  in our community . These activities allow the entire family to participate! So if  you are looking to show initiative and not sure where to start, let me know....I can hook you up, but...  I bet you will come up with something....so what is it? What would God have you do? JUST DO IT!!!