If you could do anything, what would it be? Hmm,
interesting. Now, I want to you answer that question again, but this time your
answer cannot be from your "Column A," the "safe" column;
that's right, I want you to look at your "Column B," the "I really
would love to do or be that, but . . . " column.
"I'd
like to be a chef . . . but, I don't have the time."
"I'd
like to be a vet . . . but, I don't have the grades."
"I'd
like to be a Pastor . . . but, I don't know enough about the Bible."
"I'd
like to be a doctor . . . but, I'm too old to go back to study."
"I'd
like to be a . . . B U T . . . "
"BUT."
Such a small word, but oh so powerful. I reckon that if 'but' was a person
she'd be the "party pooper," the wet blanket of everything good, fun,
enjoyable or delightful. Oh she'd be a great friend to start with, listening as
you nervously shared your dreams and passions, encouraging you with each nod of
the head, each "that sounds great," and then BAM, with one fell swoop
she'd bring you crashing down to earth; deflated, discouraged, disillusioned.
BUT.
. .
This
year I have stepped way, way out of my comfort zone and dared to follow a
passion from my Column B. I am currently doing 2 subjects from the Certificate
II in Visual Arts - Graphic Design. In one of the subjects, whilst a
"noob" ("newbie," according to my 8 year old son), I'm not completely
clueless, so the stretching is not too drastic. In the class Design Foundations,
however, it’s a whole other story - I mean, I actually have to draw. FOR REAL!
Actual pens on paper and cutting and gluing and . . . let's just say I have
lost count of how many times I have said to my lecturers and fellow students,
"I can't even draw!" Just this
morning I bashfully sat at the Studio 1 desk, praying that the lecturers would
just not notice me, would just walk on by and not see my incompetence.
They
didn't. No, they came and they stood right next to me, looking for the work
that I was so desperate to hide. As they looked, my 'buts' started up,
"Did I mention that I can't actually draw; I mean, I thought this was
computer design, not actual drawing design, and . . . " Big sigh.
I
waited for their verdict; and you know what? They didn't buy into my excuses or
lack of self belief. They didn't laugh and mock me in front of the other, (oh so
talented), students. On the contrary, they were encouraging, they smiled; they
even said that my work was good - GOOD?!
I
can barely find the words to describe the delight my heart felt at that moment.
Through the strength and power of Jesus I had faced my 'buts,' and at the name
of Jesus they bolted!
What
dreams do you have hidden in the Column B of your life? Is there a gift or
talent that bubbles away in your spirit that you would just love to try; a “God thing,” a super-natural desire for something that, in your own
strength, you perhaps could not pull off, but in God’s strength . . . well who
knows what you might be able to accomplish.
Go on; ask God to give you the strength and
courage to stand up to your ‘buts’ this year. And when you do, please pop back
over here and be sure to share your story with us; I know I’d love to hear all
about it.
Blessings,
Helen
