An Anecdote for the Weary Heart: A High Calling
Truths written for children, this message of encouragement is applicable as a reminder to all souls of the STRENGTH and HOPE they have in this sometimes challenging but exciting life.
In hard times, it is easy to give up and throw in the towel…but there is another way!
Enjoy this heartfelt anecdote and application. I pray it puts an extra pep in your step in the days and weeks to come.
Others say, “No!”
Well, I say, “Yes!”
Give it your all, your very, very best!
Others say, “No!”
Well, I say, “Go!”
Row! Sew! Put on a show!
Go! Go! Go! and climb so high.
Soar until you touch the sky!
Climb that tall wall, shoot for the stars.
Maybe you’ll hit the moon, maybe even Mars!
If you don’t move forward, and hide away in a tin,
You won’t move anywhere, you’ll never win.
So, don’t give up and don’t give in!
Go higher, sit taller, hold up that chin!
And if you’re ever afraid that you’re not enough,
Remind yourself of the truth, that fear is a load of fluff!
If you happen to trip, daughter or son,
Don’t give up, trips happen to everyone!
No matter how big the slip or fall,
If you don’t give up, you will conquer them all!
It takes practice to use those wings.
As well as patience – among other things.
So, raise your hand at school when you know the answer.
In dance class, practice hard - be the best dancer!
Try every form of art. Pick up every sport!
Explore it all, because life is short!
You can do it! I know you can!
Be the strongest in the land.
Sometimes to be strong, you must be humble and small.
Sometimes serving others makes you the strongest one of all!
Find your passion - what thrills you most.
You can have it all, to you we will toast!
Don’t let anything hold you back.
Break all barriers, whack, whack, whack!
Money, Money, Money! Everyone wants money.
But let me tell you a little secret, there’s much more to live for, Honey!
Follow the dreams God put in your heart.
You were born to do it. Today’s the day to start!
There are people that do these things.
They set their goals high, and they use those wings.
Go on, do it, be one of the them.
You could be the next Lincoln or George Washington.
When you tried your best and the day is done,
Reflect on your success, how far you’ve come, how much you won!
Give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy that success.
Thank God for the gifts He’s blessed you with!
Isn’t it wonderful – tomorrow’s a new day, a fresh start.
More bright ideas to share, more goals to set, new paths to chart…
A new beginning, so choose the right way.
Give and share all you can, every single day.
You can do it! I know you can!
All of your talents are part of God’s plan.
Isn’t life exciting, knowing all you can do?
So go on and do it, make dreams come true!
The anecdote I shared is one that is near and dear to my heart. I wrote it in less than one hour while spending time with the Lord on my work commute to New York City over a decade ago – so I give Him the credit. At times, it has been a source of hope to my soul when I let doubt or fear get in the way of God’s high calling on my life. Each one of us has this high calling to use our gifting and passions to show love and make a positive difference in our circles of influence all around us. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
Sometimes it feels like it would be easier to give up and not pursue this passion and dream God put on my heart. If I did that, I know I would regret it the rest of my life. With trials, hard work, sweat and tears…comes beauty, impact, experience, joy and so much more!
About four months ago, we moved from Pennsylvania to Switzerland following an opportunity for my husband and for our family. For over two years we have been running a Human Resources consulting company (HIHR LLC). It has been a really exciting time providing HR services for over 20 clients from Fortune 500 to franchise, non-profit and small business. The Covid market has provided some challenges but our mighty team is still going strong and we believe we have a bright future.
How do you move a business forward when a global pandemic hits and client budgets are cut? How do you succeed when you have many less hours to put into the business because you are now also a homeschool teacher? What about ensuring the business has a solid plan when you move to another country with different languages and business laws, ensuring US clients have great care…and the list goes on. It is always easy to think of the reasons why this is too hard. However, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). There is a saying I love that is derived from examples of the bible that says if God calls you to it, He will see you through it!
We continue to learn so much as we go and through the wins and growing from mistakes. These are the few key areas that have really helped along the journey. Instead of folding…
We created a detailed action plan to support us navigating all of this transition for what we are calling ‘Maintenance Mode’ and ‘Growth Mode’.
We are being honest and realistic with our goals about what is really achievable in this season while ensuring the team is in agreement and on board.
We prioritize regular communication (bi-weekly or more as needed) with team members on key client accounts.
We make sure to recognize and sincerely thank those clients and team members that are the reason we are still able to be in business after a year in a pandemic and big family move to Switzerland!
Lastly, something that has propelled me forward in all of this is really considering ‘What is my purpose in this life?’ Is it to have more money? Get more stuff? Get people to think I’m cool? Become famous? Have more followers? To these questions, I really believe the answer is no. Purpose creates movement. It gets us up in the morning to believe our life matters to God, to know we have a bright future and a reason to make an impact. When we seek God first and really pursue Him, it’s amazing what you will learn and what can happen in your life. I believe with all my heart He will reveal these things to you and make your focus clear. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Seek God first in your life through getting in the Bible regularly and really trying to learn its applicable lessons to live the best life. In the amazing and difficult times in my life, He has always loved and showed up in quiet and extravagant ways. If you are new to talking with God here is a very easy way to start by using ‘PRAY’ as an acronym:
P – Praise – Thank God for the many blessings in your life.
R – Repent – Pray for forgiveness in areas needed in your life. It’s amazing to start with a clean slate – white as snow.
A – Ask – Request the desires of your heart for your family/friends, the world, something important in your life, etc.
Y – Yield – Convey your trust that God is for you and that you trust God’s will to be done in your life.
In closing, I simply want to share my favorite life mottos: Go Higher! Do it Scared! If God is for us, who can be against us?!
Now go and do it….Make dreams come true! God Bless!