Right now, I am in the middle of a couple of projects that are beginning to weigh very heavily upon me. Frankly, I am not quite sure how I am able to keep them all straight. I am tired, and it seems like it would be much easier to do nothing and just shrink back for a moment and catch my breath.
I realize, that doing so, is not an option that will lead to success. If I want to become the person I am striving to become, I must be willing to press forward, even in these dark and confusing moments. If it were easy, it would not be worth it.
Not My Will
This realization is particularly poignant at this moment, due to my involvement in the Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak musical production of Godspell.
Opening Night is looming and there is much work to do. I sometimes wonder why I allowed myself to be involved in this extra-curricular activity. It is consuming a lot of my energy, and I would rather focus that energy on many different things.
I understand, that this project is bigger than me, and that I was called to be a willing participant in this effort. The role is very humbling. Nearly every day, I ask myself how I can possibly pretend to be good enough to play the part of Jesus. I think we would all agree, whether we believe in His divinity or not, that He was one of the most influential historical figures, but to me, He is much more.
Last night, we rehearsed for the first time the scenes leading up to His crucifixion. I felt extremely hypocritical when I found myself, (caught up in my own tiny struggles and wondering how in the world I could make it all happen), uttering the words, "not my will, but thine be done".
What He so willing gave, suddenly became very clear. I don't mind putting aside any theological attributes for a moment and just considering the man. For whatever reason, this man set aside all of his own personal interest, and willingly chose to follow the will of the somebody else. I stand all amazed at that decision!
Seeking Higher Ground
I know, that all of the challenging experiences I face are given to me for my own good. They have a refining effect. They polish me and create the energy and space for real growth to occur.
It is easy, in the moment of these trials to feel like a victim. Sometimes, we may even feel abandoned, but these are the defining moments that shape us and carry us forward to higher ground. Feeling sad, or cursed by our present circumstances disqualifies us from reaching the next level.
Those who become their very best, learn how to set aside their own interests for the good of helping others soar to new levels. We cannot do that, until we learn to submit our will to something much greater than ourselves.
How often are you able to submit your will to the will of someone else without complaining?
Do the Christian references mentioned above make you feel uncomfortable?
How can you apply the basic principles in this post to your life?
There are many times during our lives when we need to follow someone else's agenda. Typically, if it does not conform with our own desires, we find ourselves murmuring and getting in the way. I dare you to examine the consequences of that type of behavior. I am certain that if you do, you will come to see what I have come to see. That is, that all of the noise will not change the fact that if we want to move forward, we must submit to that agenda. It is true, that we can choose to opt out – and I wish more people would make that choice instead of continuing to complain about thing, but if we want to move forward, we must put our own self interests aside.
Let's see – I can move forward kicking and screaming, or I can move happily on. That doesn't sound like a tough choice to me.
Live Today! Love Today!
Andrew Thorn
760-559-3548
