What Do You Do With an Idea?
This post has been waiting to be written for weeks (more like months) but life gets in the way and writing takes a back seat. To be honest, it wasn’t until the New Year I finally put all of my points of encouragement together for this post. It took a special gift from my sister to complete my thought process and send me on my way to writing it.
This post really dates back a long ways…. Rewind 19 years ago to my kindergarten yearbook where I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said, “An artist”. Now, years later with a design degree in hand, I am living out that childhood dream. It was no secret growing up what I wanted to do. It seems that design, craft, and creativity have lit a fire in my belly for a long time, full of passion and heart. I am a firm believer in things happen for a reason and this calling is no coincidence. It started when I was young and developed into something much more than I could ever have imagined (and it will keep on developing). 2 1/2 years ago after graduating college I took a huge leap of faith, like the kind of leap people would look at and ask, “Are you crazy?” Well, to be honest… probably, but I knew what I wanted. I knew that this, being a designer and making my own path thing, was what I was called to do. And I have faith knowing it will work.
I am currently in the process of reading a fantastic book called “The Me I Want To Be” by John Ortberg. In his book he talks about vocations and says this, “If you have a gift for hospitality, throw parties on a regular basis. The joy you feel when people are gathering and talk is flowing and laughter is resounding and new friendships are being forged comes from God.” This passage couldn’t hit closer to home. I love throwing parties and it seems that God has given me many talents to throw them. So why not? Part of our calling/vocation is listening and having the faith to follow God’s path. It’s been scary and full of questions BUT every day I see God’s work in my life, guiding me and revealing my journey. I have been given opportunities that I could not have dreamed up if I tried and because of my faith in his plan, I have been able to experience them. To God be the glory!
I am always looking for encouragement and know the feeling when I can’t find it. It really stinks. There are times in life when things are placed on our hearts and there is a desire that is waiting to be fulfilled. Through this post it is my hope that I can encourage you to seek and fight for that calling/desire in your heart. Maybe it’s a job change, maybe it’s starting a new volunteer opportunity, or taking up a new hobby. Whatever it might be, stepping out with faith may just change your life… I know it did for me. With that being said, I want to encourage you to:
Listen for your calling or that gut feeling. It nags at you(in a good way) and never seems to leave your thoughts. If you want a great example of this; listen and follow along to ArtistEducation as she reads to you my favorite children’s story: “What Do You Do With an Idea?” by Kobi Yamada… It is a great reminder to chase your dreams!
Surround yourself with supporters, dream defenders, and encouragers. Ain’t nobody got time for naysayers!
As soon as you muster up the courage to take that leap of faith… never look back and have no regrets. Because making that decision is exactly what you wanted to do in that moment
Take that leap,
The Uncommon Creative Studio
