A few weekends ago, we went on a quick stroll around our neighborhood. It was an absolutely gorgeous day–the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and life was lovely.
As we walked, I noticed a house with two large cherry trees overflowing with red, ripe cherries. I thought aloud, “I wonder if they are going to pick those.”
My husband stopped and said, “Do you want to pick some? Let’s ask if we can.”
My heart started to nervously beat a little bit faster. “Oh, I’m not so sure about that. What if they think we’re weird? What if they don’t want us to pick some cherries. What if it’s rude?”
My husband, being the logical one, simply said:
“What’s the worst that can happen? They say no?”
And he proceeded to knock on the door. Now, realize that I am fairly timid, and this was WAY out of my comfort zone. I felt completely awkward.
But do you know what happened?
They told us to go for it. They even gave us several gallon bags to fill.
Without my husband’s willingness to take a chance, we would’ve missed out on an amazing afternoon–one where I was transported back to my childhood for just a wee little bit as we picked cherries, ate cherries, and got sticky, brown hands from cherries!
I realized something in that moment. I miss out on so many opportunities because I don’t take a chance. I’m scared of rejection, looking stupid or failure.
I don’t know where you are this morning–or what opportunity you’ve missed because of fear, but today, I want to encourage you to live life fully. Don’t fear rejection or failure–embrace it. Put one foot in front of the other. Take a chance.
Be brave.
You never know. You just might get to enjoy a bowl of sweet cherries and make a memory for a lifetime!
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving says
That is impressive! I don’t know that I would have been that brave, either, but to have fresh cherries? Yum!
Stacie Nelson says
Yes! They were so good!! Worth the effort and the asking!
shannon says
picked fresh cherries last night. Yum. Anyway, we have lots of fruit trees and one of them is a very old pear tree. The pears do not taste good on their own but I’ve picked plenty to make pearsauce and pear jam. But we save some each year for a man who just asked if he could have them. He gets bags and bags full of them and they aren’t out rotting in our yard either. I’m glad he asked if he could have them! PS: Maybe it’s always the men that get out of their comfort zone to ask. LOL
Stacie Nelson says
You might be right! It didn’t bother my husband at all!
We froze some of the cherries for pies this winter, and I can’t wait!!
Toni says
A wonderful post! I love how my husband encourages me to be brave sometimes too!
Stacie Nelson says
Thanks! Glad you have an encouraging husband, too. My husband’s encouragement makes a big difference for me!