Fulfilling One's Potential
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Are you still asking yourself that question even though society already considers you a “grown up?” How many of us are happily following the career of our dreams and utilizing our talents and abilities in full expression of our identity as found in Soul? If not, why not?
I recently asked my two my little grandsons about what they want to do when they grow up. While some of their natural proclivities are becoming quite apparent, at ages 7 and 11 they are just beginning to identify what interests them the most. My sincere hope is that as they mature both boys will find professions and careers and that will fulfill their unique potential, thereby bringing great personal satisfaction and continuing growth.
While some of us may be very happy in the career of our choice, others bemoan that circumstances and life decisions have altered their ability to dedicate time and energy to what they would really love to be doing with their lives. Unfortunately, many of us would also report that we are still searching for that specific area where we can excel and make a meaningful contribution to society. One thing upon which all would agree is that everyone has an innate, fervent desire to reach his or her full potential and be successful pursuing a fulfilling, rewarding path.
Each of us, as we prayerfully align our thought with all facets of God’s nature, can find our specific niche within the human economy—a place where we can best serve ourselves, our families, and our world. As we turn our desires over to God in complete trust in the abundance of Source, and with the patience of Spirit, we will begin to witness doors open that before appeared firmly shut—or were possibly unseen. When we continually express gratitude for our present experience, bringing great zeal and attentiveness to the work at hand, we prepare ourselves to demonstrate and receive more.
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays (1894-1984), former Morehouse College president, was enlightened in counseling students to always pursue their given tasks with dedication to excellence and with great enthusiasm, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who loved to quote him. I will rephrase his admonition thus:
No matter what job we are tasked to accomplish at any given time during our human journey, we must embrace it with as much energy, devotion, precision, and passion as Apple, Inc. designs its products, Adele writes music, or Peyton Manning throws a football. It is incumbent upon us to do our job so well that others will marvel at our dedication and stellar expression of Soul, Life, and Spirit, and will subsequently be inspired by our example to do the same.”
The pathway to our dreams may appear circuitous or dim, but letting Light permeate thought and aspirations—while consistently persevering in our pursuit of worthwhile goals—will result in success. Sometimes our passions are molded and shaped in unexpected ways, but by necessity they will always conform to Love’s support for what best promotes our growth.
As British philosopher James Allen instructed, “Cherish your vision. Cherish your ideas. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. If you remain true to them, your world will at last be built.”
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Are you still asking yourself that question even though society already considers you a “grown up?” How many of us are happily following the career of our dreams and utilizing our talents and abilities in full expression of our identity as found in Soul? If not, why not?
I recently asked my two my little grandsons about what they want to do when they grow up. While some of their natural proclivities are becoming quite apparent, at ages 7 and 11 they are just beginning to identify what interests them the most. My sincere hope is that as they mature both boys will find professions and careers and that will fulfill their unique potential, thereby bringing great personal satisfaction and continuing growth.
While some of us may be very happy in the career of our choice, others bemoan that circumstances and life decisions have altered their ability to dedicate time and energy to what they would really love to be doing with their lives. Unfortunately, many of us would also report that we are still searching for that specific area where we can excel and make a meaningful contribution to society. One thing upon which all would agree is that everyone has an innate, fervent desire to reach his or her full potential and be successful pursuing a fulfilling, rewarding path.
Each of us, as we prayerfully align our thought with all facets of God’s nature, can find our specific niche within the human economy—a place where we can best serve ourselves, our families, and our world. As we turn our desires over to God in complete trust in the abundance of Source, and with the patience of Spirit, we will begin to witness doors open that before appeared firmly shut—or were possibly unseen. When we continually express gratitude for our present experience, bringing great zeal and attentiveness to the work at hand, we prepare ourselves to demonstrate and receive more.
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays (1894-1984), former Morehouse College president, was enlightened in counseling students to always pursue their given tasks with dedication to excellence and with great enthusiasm, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who loved to quote him. I will rephrase his admonition thus:
No matter what job we are tasked to accomplish at any given time during our human journey, we must embrace it with as much energy, devotion, precision, and passion as Apple, Inc. designs its products, Adele writes music, or Peyton Manning throws a football. It is incumbent upon us to do our job so well that others will marvel at our dedication and stellar expression of Soul, Life, and Spirit, and will subsequently be inspired by our example to do the same.”
The pathway to our dreams may appear circuitous or dim, but letting Light permeate thought and aspirations—while consistently persevering in our pursuit of worthwhile goals—will result in success. Sometimes our passions are molded and shaped in unexpected ways, but by necessity they will always conform to Love’s support for what best promotes our growth.
As British philosopher James Allen instructed, “Cherish your vision. Cherish your ideas. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. If you remain true to them, your world will at last be built.”
