Don’t just dream big-go do it

I shared previously that I recently started writing again. In my youth, that was all I did. I would have my nose buried in books and I would write poetry, short stories and even a one act play for “Just Say No” that was selected to be played across multiple schools. I still dabbled a little in college and then I stopped. I felt that I needed to have a real job and that writing was simply a hobby.

I am blessed that two of my children are artistically gifted. One can dance and sing and both will bring tears to your eyes when you get lost as you watch her live in the music as she performs. The other is an amazing creator and artist. She imagines characters and creates these amazing images where she is able to capture their entire story. They excel in academics and would be great Engineers like their father and I, but I have asked them to allow themselves to dream big.

I reminded them that if you don’t go all in on your dream and you execute your backup plan at the same time-then you are speaking failure into existence. Don’t just dream big-go do it. I don’t know about any other parents, but have you found that at times the advice you give your children are words you need to follow yourself? This was true for me, so I started writing again and I have received affirmation after affirmation that I need to continue. Today, I received one of those. I had not only one, but two of my story pitches for Guidepost get selected for one of their publications. When I started writing, my first submission was selected by an editor for a collection-it was non paid but I was so excited to see my words in print. I continued writing for her collections and then one day had the courage to submit to Guidepost. I remember the call when I was told it was selected- dream big and go do it. I haven’t stopped since and although not every story has been selected I know my words, my voice are reaching people that I never imagined.

I don’t know if my girls will want to continue in their artistic endeavors, but I do know that I am going to encourage them to be true to themselves and I know their art has already touched more lives than they can imagine.

God calls us, commands us, to use our God given gifts. Peter reminded us that we “should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various form” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).

Today I pray that you identify your God given gifts if you don’t know what it is. I pray that you take steps to use your gifts to serve others. I pray that you don’t just dream big, go do it!