Devotionals by Brian Goins

Fireworks in the Bedroom
By James Metsger

Before you get any ideas, the fireworks in our bedroom were coming from the teenagers outside. It was early July. My 4-month-old son and wife were craving sleep, but not getting any.

After hearing the fireworks go off like a cannon with little hope of a ceasefire, Melissa had enough. She asked me to go talk to the neighbors.

I had two options: Go outside and kindly ask the teenage boys to stop lighting up the July sky, or try to fall asleep, hoping it would all just go away.

I chose wrong.

I didn’t want conversation—or confrontation—with a bunch of teenagers I’d never met. I wanted sleep.

So that’s what I did. Blessed with the unique ability to fall asleep faster than an Olympic sprinter, I drifted off.

When I opened my eyes, I sensed something was off. I turned over and noticed the place she previously occupied was empty. I got out of bed and headed upstairs.

That’s when I saw her. The front door opened and Melissa walked through. She had done the dirty work for the sake of our son’s sleep and her sanity.

Passivity is defined as “acceptance of what happens, without active response or resistance.” You don’t need a dictionary definition, though. I’ll just send you my picture.

I should’ve moved and I didn’t. That night I made a commitment to change.

I wish I could say since that night I’ve maintained a 14-year undefeated initiation streak. But I’m still tempted to accept what happens “without active response or resistance.”

But God is gracious in giving me more opportunities to move, to initiate, to press in. Maybe today is that day for you.

Go ahead. It’s your move.

Know the difference between men and boys? Listen to Dave Wilson talk about the makings of a REAL man.

The Good Stuff: So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17)

Action Points: Is there a conversation you need to have? Is there work that needs to be done? Is there a move you need to make?

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