Start Where You Are

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. — Psalm 23:5

My friend Laura’s New Year’s resolution is “start where you are.” I love it. Whatever thing seems too intimidating, whatever new skill seems too far off to develop, whatever project has been hanging over your head forever: start where you are.

Each of us has been created by a holy God with love, on purpose and for a purpose. But so many of us feel afraid or unprepared. This is the secret, though: No one is prepared enough. No one is perfectly ready.

Let’s choose together to take one step forward today, whatever that means — a phone call, an hour of writing, a day away to dream. Sometimes even just a half hour to brainstorm or plan gets us unstuck.

• No one lives out an exciting calling without just plunging forward at some point, full of fear and uncertainty.

The world is full of people who can talk your ear off about all the reasons they can’t possibly just begin that thing they’re longing to begin. Let’s not be those people. Let’s start where we are.

What’s the dream or vision or project you feel called to in this season of your life? What’s one tangible way to start where you are?

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Melody’s Sausage & Egg Strata

I love having friends over for breakfast or brunch — lazy, coffee-soaked, kids running around. This is a staple for days like these, especially because you can make it the night before.                         

1 pound ground sausage (I like hot sausage, but any kind will do)

6 eggs

2 cups milk

1 tablespoon mustard (I use Dijon)                                              

½ teaspoon salt                               

½ teaspoon pepper                                    

6 slices bread, cut into cubes                               

2 cups shredded cheese (I like sharp cheddar) 

»  Cook sausage in a pan over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up large chunks as much as possible. Remove from heat and drain well.                                                                     
»  Beat eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl with a whisk or hand mixer on medium speed until mixture is smooth.                                                                                                
»  Add bread, cheese, and sausage to the egg mixture and stir/ fold until solids are coated with the egg mixture and the cheese is mixed in. Spray the bottom and sides of a 1× 3 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour in the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.                                                                                                   
»  Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving. 

Excerpted with permission from Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist, copyright Shauna Niequist.

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Your Turn

Not prepared for that thing you want to do or feel called by God to do? Welcome to the club! Feeling afraid or stuck? That’s pretty normal. It’s what you do from here… where you are. Start! ~ Devotionals Daily