A while back, I was honored to be inducted into the Unatego High School Hall of Distinction for my work in writing and publishing. It was a blessing to me, and gave me an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, and the community that nurtured me. I was invited to speak to a couple of senior English classes about the work I do. One teacher asked me to share how it’s possible to come from a small town and still make your mark in the world. It was a good question! I reflected on what it was like to be 17, wondering what could possibly be beyond those school walls. Back then, girls were primarily given three career options…be a teacher, a nurse, or a secretary. I wanted to be a teacher.
I told the students that I changed careers every few years. I went from being a classroom teacher, into the greeting card industry, and then on to publishing and writing books. In that process, I learned that our unique talents equip us to make a difference in the world. I told the students, “It’s not where you come from that matters. It’s about where you want to go.” Past road blocks, or even current ones, don’t have to keep you stuck where you are. They don’t have to define you.
There’s a Gospel story about Jesus and a blind man. Jesus asks the blind man, “What would you have me do for you?” Now, we may think the answer is obvious. The man wants to see. He wants to see what’s beyond the place where he’s been sitting for some time. At least, that’s what we would imagine.
Whether we’re 17 or 77 we can get stuck in our thinking and imagine there’s nothing more to see. We can be blind to possibilities and believe that even where we were born can handicap our future. Perhaps that’s why we embrace our limitation instead of abundance. When Jesus asks any of us, “What would you have me do for you?” maybe our answer should be like the blind man. Open my eyes. Help me see those things that are still within my grasp. Help me look up with a grateful heart and reach out to find something new. Maybe we have to be curious, willing to discover something new. When we shift our focus, we see things we never saw before.
I’m still curious about what else God has for me. I’m ready to see new possibilities. I don’t want my age, my mistakes, or even the place where I was born, to feel like obstacles. I want to wake up, take a risk, try and fail, and live up to all I can be. What would you say if Jesus asked, “What would you have me do for you?”
I’d love to hear your response.
Be blessed today.