The Mother Of Reinvention

The Mother Of Reinvention

You’ve heard the saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”  It’s also the mother of reinvention.

People change.

Life – lifes.

Things happen, and we have to “adapt or die.” Thank you, Brad Pitt in Moneyball.

It’s not usually that dramatic – but adaptation and reinvention are critical to becoming the best versions of ourselves. What’s been bugging me lately is how I started out, not what I do or who I am now. Did I make any adaptations or reinventions that are no longer serving me? Are there aspects of my life or personality I need to reclaim, revisit, or reinvent?

Taking Stock

Sometimes we get so caught up in the twists and turns life takes us that we forget a bit of who we are because we have had to change so much on the journey. So, in this season in my life, I’m taking stock. We all do what we need to survive, but once we are past the thick of it, it’s important to look around and reassess the situation. I heard someone say recently that “calm seas don’t make good sailors.” It’s a good point. But that’s only half of it. Once you’re out of the storm, you have to check your rigging, your sails, your broken equipment, your current position, and your heading. You can’t get anywhere until you fix what’s broken, but you also need to asses if you’re still on course for your ultimate goal – and, if not, how to get back there.

Adventure Stories

I’ve never been a sailor, but I do love adventure stories and read lots and lots of them growing up. One of the most critical parts of reaching the destination, finding the treasure, or surviving the ordeal always involved taking stock. The intrepid adventurer would stop in the forest, jungle, decimated city, or deserted island and check their supplies, bandage wounds, and pull out a map. Where am I now? Where am I going? What is the best way to get there, given my current circumstances? Critical questions that would keep our hero heading in the right direction despite setbacks, side quests, and serious injuries. Taking stock was always the first step in course correction and realignment.

Encouraging Company

So, whether you’re Abraham, Moses, Sampson, David, Paul, Peter, or the Prodigal Son, it seems that God is also “the mother of reinvention.” He consistently worked with people who had strayed off the path, but took the time to course-correct to come back. Each time, He welcomed them with open arms. The Bible is full of encouraging company! People who strayed, got distracted, thought they knew better, or even willfully disobeyed. Yet, in God’s infinite grace and mercy, He allows us to reinvent our stories, our purpose, our projection. What a mighty God we serve.

So here’s to taking a beat. Sitting a while to think. Resting and investing. Mapping, planning, and proceeding. It’s ok to stop right where you are so you can get your bearings. In fact, it’s absolutely necessary for success. Thank you for being a resting spot for me.

Be blessed and keep thriving.