Lizard Chins

Numbers 14:8 -- "If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

image: landrethonline.com

Brilliant Florida sunshine slowly drank up the beads of water still on my legs. A few kids were jumping into the pool and I could hear water hit the concrete walk-way. Next to me - my Mango smoothie slowly melted and my husband lay back in the chaise with his eyes closed against the brightness. Even though we were under a large Oak tree, the heat was intense. But I love hot days when we can both head to the pool for a relaxing dip.

On the decorative light pole next to Steven I noticed an Anole doing his very best push-ups. I couldn't see the female for whom he was showing off, but I knew she had to be close by because as he pushed up and down in pure lizard muscle, his chin flap would pop out and almost luminesce in brilliant red. He was a bold one, that little Anole.

Just a few inches away was another male, sunning under one of the chaise chairs. He wasn't pushing up in brilliant display - nor was his chin flapping open and closed in an effort to gain some attention. He was just sitting there enjoying the sunshine. Every now and then he would turn his head as if he had a question - then he'd go right back to sunning himself. He was either timid and decided not to waste his time against an unbeatable opponent, or he didn't care to flirt. I wasn't quite sure which.

No sooner had I contemplated the mood of the second Anole than the first big male captured the attention of his prize. He and his new lizard bride ran off into the grass for some privacy. [I guess].

So -- to the victor go the spoils, eh? Or in this case, is it "to the bold?" Shy guy - still resting in the sunshine - didn't run off victorious. He didn't have a new little family or any reason to celebrate. He just sat there. Doing virtually nothing.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh?

I wonder what would have happened if Moses' group in the desert decided they were too timid or too afraid to march forward into the Land that God had promised to them? What if they'd been afraid of failure? Too shy? Or just too lazy?

I don't think they would've won the day and the new land, do you?

And - way back at the burning bush - what would've happened if Moses had decided he was too timid to lead God's people out of Egypt in the first place?

HMMMM....food for thought, no?

Ya know - Jesus has already secured victory for us. He gave it to us freely when he died on the cross with all of our sins strapped to him. Why are we not shouting it from every mountain top? Are we afraid? Are we shy? Or, like the Israelites set to march on a new land - are we too afraid of failure?

Those of you who have had the privilege to hear my sister sing know that her every heart beat sings out to praise the Lord when she's up there on that platform. There is no question about it - every single syllable is pouring out thanks and worship. But what you might NOT know - is that she suffers from terrible stage fright. EVERY SINGLE TIME.

It doesn't matter that she was practically born with a mic in her hand - each and every time she steps out in front of a crowd her stomach nearly dances away with her and her hands start to shake - be it ever so slightly. And yet, she still goes out there - to do what God wants of her. Clinging tightly to the strength of God, she never gives in to the jitters. She doesn't allow her naturally shy nature to win. Instead - she claims the victory already given to her by Jesus Christ.

So -- what are WE gonna do? Are we gonna cling to the promises of God and do magnificent push ups enhanced by brilliant red Anole chins? Or are we gonna be Shy Guy and bide our time underneath the chaise.

We are saved either way -- why not be bold for the Lord?