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Eight Octobers ago, I shared this quote on Facebook: It's not who you are that holds you back; it's who you think you are not. Then I added these comments:
I can easily make excuses for not doing things I want to (or should) do, choosing to play it safe and not take risks instead of just going for it. I'm not talking about jumping out of planes or doing something potentially harmful. I'm talking about living life, loving people, and using your talents, abilities, strength, resources, and time to bless others and glorify God. Most of us don't even come close to realizing our potential. So... "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:16-19).
It took me a couple of years after I posted this to fully apply it in my own life. My life has been a weird mix of being propelled forward quickly (e.g. skipping second grade, having adult responsibilities earlier than most of my peers, becoming self-employed at 24) and being a late bloomer (e.g. first serious relationship at 34, moving out at 45, starting to drive at 47).
At 50 now, I can either get bogged down by obsessive thoughts about my past or I can courageously realize every remaining ounce of potential God has given me. A few weeks ago, I finally decided I'm going to take a serious shot at developing an art business. I had signed up for two courses last summer but never completed them, subconsciously thinking I had to make writing my first priority. But a few close friends have affirmed that I light up when I talk about drawing and creating pretty things. I can no longer squelch the impulse to be an artist. What does that mean for my future? I'm not sure . . . but I can't wait to find out!
What's holding you back? Have you convinced yourself, or let others convince you, that you can't do something you're passionate about because you aren't (yet) good enough? I encourage you to revisit that in the days ahead. Talk to God about it. Talk to someone who knows and loves you and see what they think. Search your heart. Stop making excuses. Be brave. Use up all that potential!
And if you need a little extra encouragement, listen to this sweet old Sunday School song: I Am a Promise. That's where I got the title for today's newsletter. :)
Have a wonderful Monday!
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