I’ve mentioned before that I have a passion for seeing people progress into their destiny.  For seeing their potential and hopefully I can encourage them to get there.

I am not a professional in that area.  Heck, I don’t even know what to call it.  It’s something that I can do.

Let me tie the title of this post and the paragraphs above, together.  Bear with me on my thoughts here.

Today, I went to a function in our lovely town.  It was a Christmas event where people dressed as characters from Dicken’s era.  Some set up in shop windows weaving a basket or drinking tea, etc.  Some were on the streets strolling around town.  Some were singing Christmas Carols and some were carrying instruments to local businesses.  There was a cart pulled by two horses that you could ride in around the town.  There is to be a tree decoration and lighting in about an hour.

All great ideas but poorly attended.  The very dreary weather and penetrating dampness could have been a factor.  We went into the old courthouse building, mostly to get warm, but some students/faculty from University of Missouri encouraged us to go inside for a hot drink and cookies.  We did, apprehensively.  You see, our town is a University town.  But not for University of Missouri.  We have UCM – University of Central Missouri.  We went in and I asked the people if they knew they were in Mules territory.  We all laughed.  I was secretly trying to scare them.  No where did we see recruiting for our beloved UCM.  Just a banner on the courthouse lawn. 🙂

Now, I know I’m new to town and I am still new to the way of thinking of the Mid-West.  I admit that. But I just couldn’t help it, as I walked around I saw potential.  I saw potential in the community, the locals, the ones not even connected to the University.  I realize that towns in the midwest are likely not to be connected geographically – there are a lot of farms out there – like a vast ocean between towns.  But The Burg is the county seat.  I could see building up this type of event to the point where more people will want to come.

So now, where I’m really going with this.  It got me thinking about my own life and potential.  I think too small.  I get ideas of things I can do or see others with their ideas and then I get discouraged.  I actually talk myself out of those dreams and desires and ideas.  They look too gigantic and just down-right impossible.  But are they?

I do not see the whole picture.  I do not see the hows and the whens.  I give up way too easy.  I think most of us do.

I also have a firm belief that my dreams and desires do not start with me.  They start with the God that I put trust and faith and anchor my hoper in.  But do I really believe that?  I confess right now, that when I doubt and talk myself out of pursuing my desires and dreams, that I do not believe that they can happen.  That’s not good.  I’m my own worst enemy.

What makes me doubt?  The delays mostly.  I read an encouraging post today from a fellow blogger here: http://howleadersmanage.com/2014/12/06/go-the-extra-mile/

This part shined right out at me: “For the longer payment is withheld, the better for you. Compound interest is this law’s greatest benefit. While you wait consider it an investment in your character.”

Payment being what I dream and desire……my character is being greatly invested in.…. if I let that happen.  We really need to stop looking at delays and discouragement as failures.  Failures should be the very instrument that makes us succeed.  We need to get a new perspective on our life.  Many great people will tell you of their failings and how they were necessary.  We do not see the whole picture of our life – we just don’t.  But we can gain a new perspective.  A higher view, so to speak.  A God’s – eye – view.

I can do this.  I can dream and I can slow down and gain new perspective.  I can also encourage others that I see doubting and floundering around, on the verge of giving up.  Let’s help ourselves to rise up to new heights and let’s help those around us.  Every human being has potential to be great.

I’ll leave with this thought.  From the movie, Saving Mr. Banks, the main character, PL Travers, handed her driver (Ralph) a piece of paper for his daughter (who was disabled).  The paper had a list of names on one side:

Even with their deficiencies, these people succeeded to greatness.

Now Let’s go!

cate b