I’m truly hoping that none of my neighbors were so fascinated with my lawn-mowing prowess that they were glued to their window watching me sashay across the front yard only to find myself Stuck In-Between a large, metal utility box and my lawn. Yes, this was one of those moments when you are completely aware of just how foolish you looked, and with a flushed face, you peek around hoping beyond all hope that no one witnessed what just occurred. However, had a camera caught this embarrassing incident, it might have been worth a little money! So, neighbors, have fun scanning through your camera footage!

Let me see if I can describe the scenario of how I managed to find myself Stuck on this glorious spring day. Because I like to Follow Where I’ve Been with my mower to maintain beautifully straight lines diagonally across my yard, there is a method to my process. On this particular day, as I approached the utility box and spun the mower around so the front wheel would re-trace the path of freshly mowed grass, I placed my right foot down to pivot my body to follow the mower. Only this time, my foot continued downward into a deep recess between the large metal box and my lawn, while my left hand remained on the handle of the mower tightly gripping the self-propelling lever. Can you picture where this is going? By the time my “quick” reflexes kicked into gear and the message, “Let go!” traveled to my brain, I was sprawled on my stomach, with one leg stuck in a hole beside the utility box and the mower just beyond the extension of my fingertips where it had rolled to a stop.  

Once my mind had processed exactly what had just occurred, I quickly scanned my surroundings, praying no one saw that snafu. With damaged pride, I did complete the yard duties for the day, but I will admit, it was accompanied by several fits of outrageous laughter every time I visualized getting Stuck In-Between. Now, the reason I am willing to share this embarrassing story is that one, it wasn’t caught on camera; and two, because it paints a picture of where I currently find myself Stuck In-Between Taking It Slow and Going All In, as I contemplate my personal, professional, and spiritual life. In this journey to navigate what leads to a flourishing life, often the research leads me to opposing views, on one side of the street is the mindset of embracing what’s ahead, Burn the Ships, and a don’t-look-back approach, moving forward with gusto. On the other side of the street, there is a mindset that this world is in too much of a hurry, constantly making changes, and a slow and methodical approach is needed; and perhaps, even no movement is necessary because our Acre of Diamonds is right where God currently has us. As a result, I feel Stuck In-Between being still and moving forward, just like my body was that day in the front yard.

For Christ followers who have been given a gift of discernment, feel free to speak into my life if you wish, because for me, even though I consider myself to have a great deal of situational awareness, what approach I need to take to get “unstuck” is a mystery! There is a deep desire within to follow God’s chosen path for me, His encouragement with Scripture like Psalm 139: ”Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed,” is reassuring, and yet He challenges me with verses like Isaiah 43:19: “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” and John 10:10’s “abundant life.” As I look past the half-century mark birthday, there is so much uncertainty about what God wants to do next that I keep finding myself Stuck In-Between what I have already experienced on this earth and what He is calling me to next. Trust me, I want to see what He’s about to do! I certainly don’t want to miss it because I know it leads to a more flourishing life than I could ever dream.

Have you ever been Stuck In-Between? How did God (or others) help you navigate this time of uncertainty? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

References:

Batterson, M. (2013). All in: You are one decision away from a totally different life. [Kindle version]. Zondervan.

Franklin, J. (2020). Acres of diamonds: Discovering God’s best right where you are. Chosen Books.

Lindsay, D.M. (2021). Hinge moments: Making the most of life’s transitions. IVP Books.