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Success: One More Definition

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“Success is achieving my full potential while fully surrendering to God”.     J.B. Wood

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When I came across this quote, I was taken back by its simplicity, and at the same time, its profoundness. Hence, I decided to share it. I realized that this quote relates to the first success quote I shared in my previous post. That definition by Whit Hobbs is about excitement, confidence and the joy of being enthralled with something you love to do, and do well. The first part of this definition concerning achieving one’s full potential corresponds well to what Whit described.

It is the second part of J.B.’s definition which makes me pause. I believe his statement is biblical, and is also necessary for God’s people to grow in their faith. But, the term ‘surrender’ doesn’t sit well with most of us. Don’t we equate surrendering with defeat, weakness, loss of power, and the removal of one’s personal rights and privileges? That form of surrender is anathema to our survival instinct and sense of well-being.

Of course, God quite often puts a different spin on many ideas and principles we are familiar with. When Jesus walked among us, he turned the culture upside down by making proclamations which were often difficult to comprehend or were in conflict with current thought and practices. As an example, he said, “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect”. Taken at face value, most of us know intuitively-and by experience-that this imperative is impossible for man to achieve. Ultimately, he was implying that we should strive to be perfect by following his lead and seeking his help. Perfection comes later.

Hence, we come to the meaning of surrender as Wood used it. His intent is positive rather than negative. To surrender to God is to place one’s self directly under the power and influence of an entity far greater than mere man. God is nothing less than the Creator of the universe, as well as our personal friend if we chose to accept him as such. Anyone who can create an atom or cause an embryo to be formed in a womb must, by deduction, be able to govern all things far better than even the wisest of mankind could ever do. Where God is infinite in all things, man is finite. He is superior while we are inferior. Nevertheless, we struggle not only with this concept of surrender and putting it into practice, but also with the very concept of an all-powerful, all-knowing God.

If we believe that achieving our full potential leads to a form of success, then we are on our way to something good. If we realize this potential while submitting and surrendering to God, we will achieve something even better than good…something  extraordinary. I have been trying to meld the two together most of my life, and still struggle with both parts of Wood’s statement. However, I am not without hope. I am not alone.

 

 

Success: One Definition

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I recently read a profound quotation by Whit Hobbs, which goes like this: “Success is waking up in the morning, whoever you are, wherever you are, however young or old, and bounding out of bed because there’s something out there that you love to do, that you believe in, that you’re good at-something that’s bigger than you are, and you can hardly wait to get at it today.” That is one long  sentence, but it comes alive-as if the author were running out of breath and didn’t want any periods…especially since this is a combination of thoughts expressed in a condensed format. I consider Whit’s statement to be an achievement in and of itself.

Recently, I watched Carson lounge in the early spring sunlight. After his breakfast, he bounded off the deck, did his business, walked around the yard (sometimes chasing a squirrel or bird), and then came inside to play a bit of ball. He gets ‘success’ without evening thinking about it! Next, he is content to simply rest where he decides to flop his white, furry body down…his reward for being joyful. Just watching him go through his morning routine makes me smile. Often, personal reflection occurs at these moments.

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I recall relating to Whit’s statement many years ago when life was full of dreams and reality didn’t derail any of them. Those were the ‘Good Old Days’ as Carly Simon would sing about back in 1971. However, the truth is the good old days can also be here and now so we better find and embrace them. Living in the past provides a reference point, and good memories if one were so lucky to experience them. I am fortunate to reflect on my past with a high degree of fondness, as well as with a dose of sadness and a pinch of regret thrown in. I’m an optimist at heart, but also a realist. Life has taught me much. So, despite any negative experiences from the past and present, I choose to view the present and future with a positive attitude. Although not always easy to do, the opposite is quite unappealing in every way.

There are many definitions about success that one could argue for a lot of them, and dismiss most. So, what about success as Hobb’s describes it? Can it be defined by a simple paragraph, or does the term need an entire book describing this elusive noun of which most gauge their lives against? In my humble opinion there are too many books…too many articles…too many lectures about what success really means, and how much it matters in our lives. For one individual success may be related to financial and professional achievements and to another it may be defined by how one contributes to the greater good of others. Of course there are so many other ways to view success.

I have lived much of my adult life wondering about such things to the point where I was often troubled. Was I doing enough? Was I engaging enough? Did I risk enough? Did I achieve enough? Was I enough? How could I become successful if I didn’t understand what that really meant? So many questions, and seldom any satisfying answers. Such was my conundrum. Perhaps this is why Whit’s definition impacted me so much. It is filled with the essence of joy permeating one’s life, and I like that. Plus, it is simple to grasp his intent without having to read a term paper to understand it.

I think what this quote does for me is to reveal a great word picture which causes me to desire the result. I want to wake up tomorrow morning, bound out of bed, and seize the day with gusto. I believe that is possible. I also know myself, and that I can be my own worst enemy. In addition, current trials hamper my ability to be as positive about each day as I would like. This reality is frustrating. Nevertheless, I will try, and continue to try until this joy becomes a daily reality. To do otherwise is like surrendering when there is no clear adversary confronting me. I do admit that this type of optimism requires daily (sometimes hourly) effort and prayer-at least for me. One day it shall be much easier to bound out of bed and attack with a fervor that which I love to do most-and do it well.

I sincerely hope you can relate to Whit’s statement and are experiencing the fruit of joyful living. If not, then please join me in relearning how to awaken with gusto.

 

Bad Company

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Ever since I came up with the title of Shooting Stars for my previous post, I haven’t stopped thinking about (and singing) the song by the same name which was performed by the group Bad Company in 1975. It’s a good piece of rock n’ roll music and thought provoking lyrics which makes for a compelling song to listen to. The lead singer, Paul Rodgers, who wrote the song, did so as a warning because some of his peers died of drug overdoses. Jimi Hendrix , Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison are thought to have been on Paul’s mind when he penned the lyrics. As a possible tribute, Rodgers created a guitar finale which sounds a lot like Hendrix. Sadly, one of his band’s members died at the young age of 25, a year after this song was released. The lyrics are written below. I encourage you to listen to it, as well. Don’t be surprised if you can’t get it out of your mind right away.

Johnny was a schoolboy when he heard his first Beatle’s song. Love Me Do I think it was and from there it didn’t take very long. Got himself a guitar, used to play every night. Now he’s a rock n’ roll outfit and everything’s alright, don’t you know?

Johnny told his mama, “Hey, mama, I’m goin’ away. Gonna hit the big time, gonna be a big star someday”. Mama came to the door with a teardrop in her eye. Johnny said, “Don’t cry, mama”, smiled and waved goodbye, don’t you know? Yeah.

Don’t you know that you are a shooting star…Don’t you know? Don’t you know? Don’t you know that you are a shooting star? And all the world will love you just as long as long as you are.

Johnny made a record-went straight up to number one. Suddenly everyone loved to hear him sing his song. Watchin’the world go by, surprisin’ it goes so fast. Johnny looked around him and said I made the big-time at last.

Don’t you know? Don’t you know? Don’t you know that you are a shooting star? Don’t you know? Whoa yeah. Don’t you know that you are a shooting star? And all the world will love you just as long, as long as you are. (repeats)

Johnny died one night, died in his bed. Bottle of whiskey, sleeping tablets by his head. Johnny’s life passed him by like a warm summer day. If you listen to the wind you can still hear him play…Don’t you know that you are a shooting star? Don’t you know? Don’t you know? Don’t you, don’t you know that you are a shooting star? Don’t you know? (repeats)

How does one reconcile the reality of life with the artificial world that success and money creates? We see this dynamic played out all too often in actors, music celebrities, politicians, super athletes, and most recently in “reality” TV stars. In addition, how does one reconcile the reality of life when there is no longer a foundation to anchor to?  It takes a rare individual not to be entranced with this type of notoriety, money and meteoric rise in fame. My anchor is Christ who reminds me that all we gain is not as it seems.

Keep in mind that Johnny could be anyone…you, me, a friend, neighbor or loved one. We are all susceptible to the allurement this type of success employs; namely, losing touch with reality. Is there any correlation between those who become rich and famous, and bad company? Johnny would say, “Yes, don’t you know?”. The next time you ‘strike it rich’ or are vaulted to the top of a pedestal, stop and think about Johnny, and leave bad company alone…they have plenty of other suckers to latch onto.

 

 

Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder

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They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have often wondered who ‘ they’ are because there seems to be a lot of ‘them’. Nevertheless, I believe the statement rings true. Take this Showgirl chicken for instance. Some of her jealous friends say she just had her hair done and beak polished, but that is not the case-her beauty is natural. Below is my son with another Showgirl-lovely isn’t she? No problem with these bird’s self-image. How about you? Regardless if you have a bad hair day, a perceived imperfection or have been criticized for your appearance, there is still beauty…it’s just that not everyone sees it. And in our culture today, having the ‘right’ looks and clothing is over-emphasized and valued way more than is healthy. So, here’s hoping you like what you see when you look in a mirror. And, if you don’t, get a new mirror…or new friends…or family. But change something because you can’t afford to experience an abundant life while feeling inferior 24/7. All of us (humans) are created in the image of God so we all possess His perfect qualities, just not in the same proportion. Whether born with a serious defect, were maimed in an accident or appear stunningly beautiful on the outside, we are all the same inside…and that’s what really matters. And the Beholder is the most important one who sees you from the inside out, and simply says, “Beautiful”. What we do with that beauty is up to us, and for others to assist us when needed.

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Expanding My View

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Ever wonder if you have viewed life through too narrow a lens? Ever felt like you missed something significant because you were rushing to get somewhere ‘important’ while something beautiful was just around the bend? Does the “Life is passing me by” cliche seem familiar? I’ve felt like that and missed significance, but I’ve also learned to slow down to see what’s over the next hill or beyond the horizon-and I’m glad I did.

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Expanding my view is how I describe living more in the moment. The opposite is life in the fast lane (guaranteed to blow your mind as one band described it). Expansion requires discipline and developing a ‘new’ set of eyes, but it is worth the effort. Clearer vision results in seeing something that was there all along, but has been often overlooked. Once I expanded my view the scene I was looking at takes on a whole new perspective. I begin to grasp the beauty of each sunset and marvel at the complexity of God’s creation. Sipping coffee with a friend takes on a deeper meaning. Watching a bird build a nest becomes fascinating. As I begin to comprehend this dynamic, I begin to flourish within myself…at least that is how it seems…and I like that feeling.

Cardinal Luck

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It is rare (at least for me) to get a long look at a Cardinal staying in one place for more than a few seconds. They are timid and like to hide. So, I was a bit lucky to capture this male, however, it was at a full 300 mm zoom so the image is not as crisp and vibrant as I would have hoped for. However, it beats not having the photograph.

There is a special quality that this particular bird reveals when he stands tall on a branch. Besides his beautiful red coloring and unique beak, there is something more…something intangible. Perhaps I consider him as being regal due to his appearance. Perhaps, I simply notice how handsome he is. As with people, Mr. Red can’t take any credit for this fact. Only his Creator can. But, what if he wasn’t so handsome? Would that lessen his uniqueness…his beauty? As with people, something to ponder. Are we unique and beautiful because that’s how the world sees us or are we all that way simply because that is how we were created? I choose the later explanation, and hope you do, too.

In keeping with my thoughts about winter ending soon and spring turning to summer, I share this song bird with you. Celebrate his (your) uniqueness.