I Have Arrived

Years ago, when my older children were little, I had a sense of urgency to complete my novels and launch my speaking career. It was as if a great invisible clock were stealing the seconds, minutes, and hours I had been given to pursue my dream, and I wasn't content being in the slow, preschool season of life.

The truth is, I thought I had to be a published author to influence others or speak to large crowds, to make a difference. I was waiting to "arrive". Years later, I'm still working towards those goals but the sense of urgency isn't there like it was last time.

What's changed?

Me.

I am reminded of a story in the bible. In this tale called "The Parable of Talents" Matthew 25: 14-30, a boss gathers his three employees because he is leaving on a journey. At the meeting, he gives each talents, (jobs) according to their faithfulness. He gives the first man five talents, the second two, and the last, one. When the boss returns from his journey, he is pleased with the first and second man because they have gained additional talents on top of what he had given them. But, the man he gave one talent to, buried it in the ground. The boss was displeased, he took the talent, fired him, and gave the talents to the man who had earned an extra five.

This story has taught me if I wait to use my talents I am burying them, and God desires me to share my gifts now. I have learned that God hasn't called me to be successful but rather; he wishes for me to be faithful with the gifts he's given me. If I reach a handful of people today, and they learn more about Jesus, that's my success story. I am faithful therefore I have "arrived".