There’s some things going on that I’d like to touch base with you about. Have you ever gotten to a place in life where you’re not really bored, but feel a change is stirring? I’ve learned to pay attention to these stirrings & entertain what they may entail. During my years as a nurse, this generally meant I had to learn something involving new skills, areas of expertise or simply a change with the floor I worked on. Each step brought me increase, not only financially, but in self-confidence & self-esteem. However, these changes often required being uncomfortable or stepping outside of my comfort zone. Later on I would mentor, precept & train others through the same processes with great intrinsic satisfaction. I have a life motto– Never simply learn something for yourself, learn something well enough to teach it!! Whether it takes devoting 10,000 hours or daily slight edge adjustments, do it!
Within the past few weeks I’m finding myself at the threshold of the familiar feelings. Restless, indecisive, contemplative. I admire John Maxwell & his wisdom & I’ve quoted him for years with this:
“People change when they hurt enough that they have to, learn enough that they want to, or receive enough that they are able to.” ~John Maxwell
I’m not sure what it takes for you to change, but any of those examples are amazing catalysts. I’ve had a particular scripture resonate within my being to the point that I’m afraid I’ll miss the will of God if I miss changing. Here it is:
Parable of the Talents
14“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them.15“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.16“Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents.17“In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more.18“But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19“Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.20“The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’21“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
22“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’23“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
24“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.25‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
26“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed.27‘Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.28‘Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
29“For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.30“Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Worthless! Yikes! I never want to be referred to as this! He admitted to being afraid & there are probably many more explanations as to why he buried the one talent. I don’t want to bury what God has carefully orchestrated for me to gain knowledge of! At this juncture I feel like example #2 in having learned enough to want change. This doesn’t mean I’ve arrived by any stretch of the imagination! I’m ready to stretch my faith, stack new knowledge on wisdom & embrace the new. Better still…….multiply the talents entrusted to me!
What’s going on in your life? Are you stuck? Which of the catalysts for change is screaming your name? YOU possess more talent than you probably care to admit. Others could benefit by you exhibiting courage enough to step out & change! One of my favorite men recently said, “I don’t mind getting stuck in traffic; don’t get stuck in life. – Bob Goff”
Bury the things worthy of forgetting & utterly leaving behind– excuses, self-sabotage, insecurities, fear, doubt, unbelief & others opinions.
Blessings,
g
Not Just Single.......Singled Out 