In my last post I talked about learning to color masterpieces in our lives when our favorite color isn’t available.  You have to learn to mix and match and above all you have to keep painting.  I guess this is part two to this concept.

Last night as I was settling into bed I read a wonderful article about the abundant life.  It was given by Joseph B. Wirthlin in April of this year.  I sought it out surfing through the many inspiring article titles because I was searching for some uplifting content about reaching my full potential - a thought that’s been heavy on my mind this weekend.  His closing paragraph summed it all up quite perfectly:

“As illustrated in the story of an old, discarded horse that had within him the soul of a champion, there is within each of us a divine spark of greatness. Who knows of what we are capable if we only try? The abundant life is within our reach if only we will drink deeply of living water, fill our hearts with love, and create of our lives a masterpiece.”

I feel kind of like that old gray gelding in the story he related.  I think there’s a champion inside and I want very much to make my life a masterpiece.  I’ve been contemplating the things I want to do.  I’m still 34, (at least for a few more months!) my youngest child will be starting preschool next week 5 days a week for 3.5 hours and I’ll be entering a new season of my life.  I’ve been thinking about what I’ll do with this season and getting that age old itch to really dig into something meaningful.

I’m realizing how blessed I really am and have been in my life.  I’ve been good at most everything I’ve tried but never the best at any one thing because I never pursued just one thing.  It’s something I’ve always envied in other people - that ability to hone in on what you’re really good at and becoming exceptional at it.  I wondered where I’d be if I’d studied dance in Chicago or drama in New York.  I always felt more like an above average hodgepodge of many things.  I’ve dabbled in so many things and found success each time but felt kind of like a talent nomad.  Today I’m looking at this differently.  I’m recognizing the gift of many talents and my need to keep on acquiring and building.  I believe the Lord gives us talents to develop and share not hide and horde.  Who knows what I might accomplish if I were to really try?

So I sat down and wrote a list.  *Deep breath* And now I’m going to commit myself to some of it by sharing it here.  First, I want to go back to school and finish some degrees.  Ultimately, I think I want to get a degree in law.  And I’m excited about that!  Funny as all I could think about when I finished the first couple rounds was never having to go back.  Second, I’ve also thought a great deal about a life in politics.  This one scares me for the corruption that exists but at the same time it draws me because I think we need more leaders with moral centers and strong convictions based in the principles of good, old fashioned integrity.  I love American history and never tire learning of our incredible forefathers.  I’ve been reading the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and stand in awe at the simplicity of the power of one who is honest and determined to make a masterpiece out of their life.  These are my heroes and my mentors.  Both of these areas would expand my circle of influence to make a difference for the better in the world.

I have a few other things that I’ll keep for another post.  But this is my start.  I will fuel myself with past success.  I will draw strength from my most incredible masterpiece so far of motherhood and wife while doing all I can to keep adding to it.  I really think that balance is the key.  My kids are keeping me young and balanced by taking time to play, re-discover the world around me and inspire me to be all I can be.  My faith and spiritual center will give me wings to soar.  So look out clouds, I’m coming up for a visit.

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