More than once, I’ve been accused of throwing a “wet blanket” on a creative idea.  And rightly so.  I can’t help it.  When a brilliant notion is presented to me, I seem to think it’s my job to point out all the problems that could arise.  I’m just offering a dose of reality to balance out the brilliance.  Unfortunately, my input can be received as discouragement.  I really don’t like being a “Debbie Downer” but somebody has to speak truth into the mix.  Right?  (Somebody agree with me.)

Because I’m married to an “idea” man, I’m learning (over 36 years) to hold off on dousing wild and wonderful ideas with my wet blanket.  Here’s why: I’m learning that…

1) …even if it’s not my idea, it can still be a good idea.

2) …when a scheme challenges my comfort zone, it might be good for me.

3) …I don’t know everything.  (No surprise there.)

4) …sometimes faith means doing things that don’t make sense to me.

Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit.”  In other words, I shouldn’t throw a wet blanket on what the Spirit of God is prompting me to do.  Whether it’s to send a note to someone who needs a lift, or whether it’s to bring up Jesus in a conversation with an unbeliever, it’s never my job to question the Holy Spirit.  My job is to listen, trust, and step out in faith and obedience.

I’m trying to trade in my wet blanket for a fan.

“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” 2 Tim. 1:6