If you want to live a life that is unfulfilled and ridden with the fray of disappointment, then spend it trying to prove some kind of point. Problem is, no-matter how passionate you are about your ‘point’, somebody somewhere will always be disappointed in you. You’ll eventually find yourself on the receiving end of frustration’s irk. The ‘point’ then becomes obsessive, egocentric and plain downright silly. This is a story which many people have lived.
Here’s some advice. Don’t do what you do because you have something to prove. Do it because you LOVE it. Life is far too short to waste time proving yourself. You will find you’re far more productive when you chill out and start enjoying yourself instead. This isn’t about running aimlessly…but pacing yourself to the rhythm of God’s grace. It’s refreshingly unforced.
A few years ago, I had lunch with Sir William Wright (founder of Wrightbus). I asked him what the secret of his success was. He replied in his typical understated way, ‘I love buses!‘. Behind the jokey retort was a brilliantly serious reality. This man absolutely loves what he does. Even in his 90’s, he still goes into his office every day to work on new bus designs.
As a church leader, I determined some time ago that I won’t engage in silly politics. For a start, I’m no good at it. I also can’t bear the sheer tedium of it all. Is my thinking flawed? Probably. But I guess it’s better to be honestly flawed than dishonestly pretentious. Surely it’s better to just quietly get on with it, no fuss? It seems to me that it is, at least, an honourable way to live. I’m simplifying my life so that things I’m no good at don’t veer me away from the simplicity of doing what I love.
How about you? Maybe it’s time to put your ‘point’ away? Live positively. Instead of maligning what you don’t love, model what you do. Give it some time. Eventually, they’ll come knocking on your door asking ‘how do you do that?‘. And when that happens, you’ll find yourself distinctly unimpressed with the question. See, it’s got nothing to do with techniques or methods – and everything to do with love.
You only have one life. Don’t waste it. It’s God’s gift to you. Live it. Love it. Enjoy it.
