Don’t ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive. Because what the world needs is people who are alive. ~ Howard Thurman
I’m disappointed and little ticked-off today. Here’s why.
First, take a look at the necklace in the photo below, it’s a fuller view of the piece in the image at the top of this post.
Beautiful, isn’t it?
I think so. It’s made of Murano glass and Swarovski crystals, designed by a friend of mine we’ll call “T”.
T. comes alive creating one-of-a-kind pieces like these. But she is no longer doing it.
She learned while growing up that art and money didn’t go together and creating beautiful things was not a valid way to make a living.
So off she went to college to study accounting ~ which she hates.
Then she became a well-paid auditor for a major company. She was a good auditor, too – fulfilled her family’s expectations and made them proud.
But, after a while, she quit because the work did not satisfy.
That’s when she took a class in jewelry-making and things just took off from there. Her energy, creativity, and joy SOARED.
Like a rocket.
Career coach and author of 48 Days to the Work You Love, Dan Miller, says that it’s a lot easier to make money doing something you love than something you don’t, and I believe him. It just makes sense.
T. used to say time flew by whenever she was working on a piece and couldn’t stop talking about the details that went into each one.
Like when she made this set for me.
She was all smiles, and so was I just listening to her.
” . . . I looked around for a while, but I know you like these colors . . . and whatever you do, Melodie, DON’T drop them!”
Sure, she would have to learn to market her jewelry so that others beyond friends and family might benefit. She could then earn enough money to keep on creating. And, that was doable since she enjoyed her work.
But soon after the economy began to tank, she fled to the “safety” of another company, this one not-so-big. This j-o-b is a psychological drain on her. And making jewelry is on the back burner.
So once again, she is sad – that’s why I’m mad.
No more goodies like these for me, or anyone else, to buy.
Clearly, my friend was made to make beautiful things.
T. was created to create.
And I’m reminded of the talent and ability (going to waste for no good reason) because she’s arriving today for a short visit.
In writing this, I hope to encourage her and whoever reads this to fan the flame of their gifts.
Olympic champion, Michael Phelps, was born to swim.
The late Whitney Houston was born to sing.
And the legendary racehorse Secretariat was born to run.
🙂
Wow! What an amazing story. It really hits home with me. Fear has kept me from venturing out to do what I believe I was born to do. This has definitely fanned the flame of the gift God has given me and has served as encouragment to take the next step. Thanks Melodie.
Very cool! We have been waiting for you and missing what ONLY you have to offer.
Cool Aunt Mel. The jewelry is BEAUTIFUL. Your friend was definitely born to create, especially because of the joy she has from making the jewelry which looks so absolutely professionally done. It is sad that she does not have the opportunity to do so now, and I pray the Lord will open that door once again for her. I think we do live in a world that is constantly trying to manufacture the “same” kinds of people, and just like the quote above we truly do need more people who are alive, people who are passionate. It is easy to see why there are so many people in our world today who are just so bitter and not fulfilled, and it is heartbreaking. This is a nice boost of encouragement. I pray that we all will live for the purpose for which the Lord created us for.
You’ve said it well, Grace – it takes strong faith and heart muscles to push back against taking the paths expected and approved by others, since pressure to coast and conform is great. But, consider the alternatives – people underserved, gifts unused, and purpose unfulfilled. What a waste.
P.S: You look absolutely gorgeous with the jewelry on.
Thanks, Sweetie – I FEEL gorgeous with the jewelry on!
As I look back on my life thus far, I must say that I have been blessed to do work that I do enjoy. This has not been without challenge or strife but is has definitely allowed me to build and expand on God’s plan for my life. As I continue to dialogue with my daughter Bobbie (who is currently a junior in high school) about college and career choices, my prayer and counsel for her is to pray first and take that inspiration to lead a life that develops her passions.
Karen ~
For having done the work to discover, prepare, and persevere in a vocation maximizing your talents and time in serving others, I applaud you. Also, for guiding your daughter to thoughtfully consider her future now.
Here is a terrific book to fuel her inspiration – and yours: Wisdom Meets Passion, by Dan Miller and Jared Angaza. (Available at amazon.com).
P.S. Would (really) love to get an update about the choice(s) Bobbie makes.