It’s not like I think I have anything particularly revolutionary or Earth-shattering to say.

I really just make commentary about stuff I see/read/experience. At church. Online. In culture.

But perhaps, just perhaps, I’m viewed as THAT old lady sitting on her porch. And by THAT, I mean I’m conjuring up visions of Mrs. Dubose: “Don’t you say “hey” to me, you ugly girl!” Am I THAT lady? Only, via my blog?

I don’t think so. Shoot. There are waaaaaaaay more opinionated busy-bodies than me out there. Some simply insert themselves into conversations and situations that don’t even involve them, several gossip about this stuff to other people. Me, I write about it. At least you know where I stand, eh?

Being in network marking (which is NOT a pyramid scheme – PLEASE do your homework) has opened my eyes to a lot. I’ve had to learn the art of adopting an “I am not responsible for how so-and-so responds to my posts or information” stance, as well as the all-too-difficult, “Don’t take it personally” adage that is ultimately necessary if one is going to run a successful business. Why? Because often I do take it personally. I’m still learning.

What does this have to do with being a Pastor’s wife?

Everything.

This week, I was blessed to have two conversations with two different people who both had the same “word” for me. These two women came to me independent of one another. They don’t know each other. They are not local. Only one is a Beachbody Coach, and not even on my team – with whom I communicate daily (lest one think I only live in that world). Both women are believers. Both felt compelled to share a word with me that had been lingering on their hearts and minds for about a week or so.

Both messages were the same – communicated with different words, mind you, but the same.

“Don’t mute yourself.”

You’ve got to be kidding me.

But, I’m supposed to be kind! And gentle! And be friendly to everyone! And not rock any boats! And be careful! (Slight exaggeration here, but unless you’ve walked in my shoes – there IS this unspoken pressure.)

If anyone needs a big red MUTE button, it’s me. I blow it with my mouth and keyboard more often than not.

And yet, God has nudged shoved me to share my passion to help people set goals and make real change in the multi-faceted crevices of their lives. Long-term, feet to the pavement, sweat on the brow, “ouch, that wasn’t pleasant, but indeed necessary” change. I tend to scoff at anything else.

(Oh boy, here she goes again.)

Relax. (I just really wanted to find a place to use the word “scoff”.)

Personally, I used to phone it in. Excuse my language, but I was really good at giving a half-assed effort to many of my goals. And for that effort, I got a B. In pretty much everything. See, I grew up being “pretty good”, when just a bit more effort would have made my work “remarkable.” Do we need to be remarkable? Perfect? The best? No, not exactly.

(I feel a “but” coming on . . .)

However, if one even has a hunch that they can be remarkable in a certain area, and they embody the goods to put forth that sacrifice and really do great work (and we have Christ . . . sooooo, um, yeah, we have some untapped power, yo), and yet willingly/willfully  chooses not to put forth the work to get ‘er done, then, yeah, I think that’s pitiful. If I may be so frank.

“Sure”.

Thanks, Frank.

Thankfully, I’m describing an old me. An Old Creation. One that still creeps up from time to time, until I muzzle it, box it up, and send it packing.

I desire all of us to put forth the absolute best effort possible. In everything. Best effort meaning . . . well, best effort. To choose effort over ease. Challenge over convenience. Invincibility over immediacy. This doesn’t mean that everyone will win the All-Around in life. And yet, everyone has been blessed with God-given talents and abilities in SOME area, as well as offered the chance to hone new skills. Listen, I dabbled in average for years. I was GREAT at average.

Guess what? No one pays for “average”. Thank you very much, John C. Maxwell.

If a pipe bursts in my home – I don’t call just any plumber. I want the best.

If my kid is having trouble in school, I’m not going to call the tutor that is just kind-of good at what he/she does. I want top of the line.

If I want a fantastic meal in Beaver. I go to Biba.

I invest.

We are all tempted to settle. Yes. Tempted.

My role/job as a Beachbody Coach has served me well in this area. I was forced to endure being uncomfortable. I had to communicate my goals publicly. My role as a Coach seeped into other areas of my life that I had buried away in basement. I now Coach. And not just fitness and nutrition.

God placed me as a Coach. He placed me in Beaver. He placed me at Four Mile. He placed me in the lives of people all over the United States. It’s crazy. But that’s what’s happening.

So, until further notice, from HIM, my mute button is OFF.