Transforming potential into reality

"The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of."
--Lewis, Mere Christianity

I want to expound on something I wrote in my last post.

"I believe God does not wish us to be idle, and that the unhappiness and discontent that follow long durations of it offer proof that God wants us to live up to our potentials and do great things with our lives."

Granted, there are folks who drift through life in a purple haze and don't value their existence enough to lament their aimlessness. The existence of such people would seem to contradict the belief I posit in quotations above. However, I personally believe this seeming indifference to be veiled cowardice. I think a lot of people are afraid of giving their all, being passionate about life...which I suppose makes some sense. If they give their all and fail, where does that leave them? In the words of George McFly, "I just don't know if I could take that kind of rejection!"

Lately a good friend and I have discussed how we desire to do something. We both think we've been blessed with abilities and potential to succeed and leave a lasting mark in life. I recently realized that we both needed to grow up, stop bemoaning our boredom, and do something. I believe God opens doors, but that we have to put ourselves in position to be successful! The thing I of which I am most proud in regard to my college career is this: I allowed myself to be placed in leadership positions which stretched me and forced me to mature. I immersed myself as fully as I could in the campus and busied myself with various responsibilities in addition to my academics.

I believe to busy yourself is to allow God to give you a sense of fulfillment. This summer has been good for me in several ways. I've had time alone to think about my life and the course I wish to follow. One of the things I realized is that I cannot live long without being immersed in something--which is partially why I opted to go to graduate school in the fall. After I have been idle for any decent duration, something within me groans. I am not satisfied. There is much more to do in this life, much more to be. Earlier this summer, I was miserable, but then I was offered a path..a means to end my discontent. The decision was not difficult. In effect, I feel I chose happiness. I think we're all faced with similar choices every so often. I am reminded of the lyrics of a favorite song of mine: "If I don't let myself be happy now, then when? If not now, when?"

An important point to remember: we must be careful with that which we busy ourselves. Many activities and pursuits may fill the time, but will they all offer you fulfillment? There come times when we all must choose to either listen to the whispers blown to our hearts--which I perceive to be God imploring "let me help you!"--or ignore them, elongating our misery.

Here's to not being satisfied, to making realities of dreams and potential, to putting ourselves in a position to be successful.