Second Thought

This morning I discovered that I cannot count on my first thoughts.

How often have I heard: rely on your first thoughts, they never steer you wrong. Well, that doesn't work for me. And I wonder if it works for others too.

My first thoughts are charged with emotions, memories, experiences, and needs. How does one make decisions when all of this is firing at once in one's body and mind?

I am learning there is a second thought.

If I listen closely, it leads me to hearing God's voice and words. It leads me to a place of trusting Him for the direction.

This morning, for example, a new neighbor moved in across the street. She was walking her dog, and we usually stop and make small talk — which doesn't really work for me. This morning she stopped and asked if I could come over for tea.

My first thought was no way.

And then the second thought: let God lead, for I don't know His plans.

So I said yes.

Selah is the bridge being built — from my first thoughts to the second.

Selah is the space where you get to ask: is this fear, or is this discernment wearing fear's clothes?