The other day, I visited with two different friends who both expressed a overwhelming sense of being over-programmed. They both find themselves int the midst of significant challenges. These challenges have not come to them as a result of trial, rather they are the result of their own doing. By that I mean, that they are stretching themselves, by participating in extra-curricular activities.
Though they both counted the cost, they now find themselves setting new standards for the speed of life. They are feeling the pain that comes from growing. Neither one is really worried, they just felt like they could share the load with me. They both believed that I might help them enjoy the moment and find peace.
Filling Ourselves Up
I first assured them that they are making good choices. Then I let them know that when we stretch to develop our talents, we find ourselves in a different kind of defining moments. These moments actually fill us up, unlike those that come from trials, which normally drain us of our energy, before they strengthen us.
There is nothing better than pursuing our aspirations and dreams with purpose. When we do so, we raise the bar. It should not surprise us to discover that as we approach our goals, the path appears steeper than it did when we started out. No one reaches for greatness without feeling the weight of the trail. It is just part of the deal. If you want to go for it, there is a price to pay.
We Are Stretchable
One conversation occurred over lunch. As I listened to my friend describe his sense of being overloaded, I grabbed my empty water glass and the pitcher of water on our table. I began pouring water into the glass and explained that I understood that in some ways he felt like the glass. I kept pouring the water and he became a bit anxious as it neared the top of the glass.
When I was just about to over fill, I said that sometimes we fill like life will overflow on us. We know water is getting to the top, but we do not really know how to stop it. I kept adding water to the glass until it overflowed. Then I made my point
The glass is fixed and can only hold its prescribed amount. You and I however are dynamic. Our capacity can be stretched. We are far more capable than we give ourselves credit, because we see ourselves as the glass. We wrongly believe that our limits can be reached. They cannot. Each time we stretch ourselves, our capacity stretches with it.
Our Potential Is Limitless
We are made for continuous improvement. We define the limits by the choices we make. Some will say that a man 5 foot 3 inches tall cannot dunk a basketball. They probably never met Mugsy Bogues who did it regularly while enjoying 14 years in the NBA. I don't know how he did it, but he somehow found a way to become the shortest player to ever dunk in the NBA.
Of course, when I speak of our limitless potential, I am speaking of our ability to grow and develop our behaviors. Too often we are asked, "what do you do?" or "what do you want to do?" I think it is more important to focus on who we are, and who we want to become. That is the limit that I enjoy redefining. That is where the ultimate stretch occurs.
What are your current limits?
How will you expand them?
What strengths will make it possible for you to set a new standard?
Don't be afraid of becoming your best. Develop a talent, enhance your academic resume or just go out and serve others. Life is best, when we are full.
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