Over the last week, my friend Joe and I have been discussing balance. I was asking him if he found balance, particularly when applied to writing. I’ve always liked to entertain the idea of balance – it sounds awesome – but it seems like an outdated concept when applied to real life.
This morning Joe sent me an email. It was one of Keith Jennings’ Root Notes (you can subscribe here, I just did). It talked about harmony instead of balance.
This past week I found myself to be very busy. At the end of the week I noticed there was much I set out to do that didn’t get touched – like write a couple posts for The Adventure. There were also trivial things off my radar that consumed mass quantities of time.
I was perpetually working on something, but not accomplishing anything.
It brought back to mind what one of my mentors calls The Law of Limited Focus.
I’ve been reading a lot about courage lately and I’ve been surprised at how many throughout history have placed it as the foundational quality (see part one here) on which to build. People with courage live compelling stories that leave a legacy, which is what this site is all about – living your story and exploring your world.
As Christians we are called to be bold, to be courageous, to be “salt and light” in an apathetic world.
… sounds kind of crazy. But crazy good, right?
I challenge you to boldy go. Be adventurous. Be crazy (and get a toast from Steve Jobs).
What does courage mean to you? What can you do to be courageous today? Leave your thoughts below.
I had an eventful weekend.
One that reminded me how little control I actually have (I don’t know about you, but I need these reminders from time to time).
It also reminded me of what is it like to fully rely on God.
To place everything in His hands and be at peace.
It’s a hard thing for me to do.
I feel the rhythmic beat of my heart
counting the seconds until your arrival.
I can see you in there,
kicking, stretching, pushing against
the boundaries of your world…
Soon, little man, there will be a
great big world for you to discover.
It needs you to push against your boundaries too.
It’s beautiful, scary, and amazing
all at once, but don’t worry
I’ll be your guide.
We will explore it together.
You’ll learn to create, to share, to give.
To Love.
I Love You.
And until we meet face to face
I’ll keep counting heartbeats
and dreaming of you.
Arete (
/ˈærətiː/; Greek: ἀρετή), in its basic sense, means excellence of any kind. In its earliest appearance in Greek, this thought of excellence was ultimately bound up with the notion of the fulfillment of purpose or function: the act of living up to one’s full potential.
Just think of what would be possible if we lived this way, trying to use up every last drop of ourselves during our short time here. The apostle Paul lived this way.
Imagine what could be done to spread God’s Word to the ends of the Earth if we lived this way too…
We would change the world, leave a legacy, and live a lifetime of adventure. May we all strive for Arete.
Have you ever desired to change the world with your words? To make your own dent in the universe? If you know what I’m talking about, then we have something in common.
We want to be writers.
We want to be communicators.
We want to be influencers. But…
Wanting is not enough. How do we remove the shroud and become writers?
Enter: You Are a Writer by Jeff Goins.
Note: Mixing it up today with a poetry post. It’s darker in tone, but speaks to things like vision and responsibility, and what happens when they are absent.
Empty streets, crowded alleys
not a soul to be seen
unless you know where to look.
Change is in the air
traveling as hushed whispers
and uncertain glances.
An invisible feeling is
ever-present in the hearts and minds
of those who call this home
casting shadows darker than before.
Sinister plans disguised as hope
and catalyzed with fear
abscond with our ambition and
weaken our resolve
as we feign ignorance
to avoid responsibility
for the decay and depravity
that has crept within our walls.
A black mold plaguing our foundation
that is hiding in plain sight.
Without vision cities perish
consumed by it’s residents
and reduced to ashes.
Unable to sustain life
it is abandoned and forgotten,
the ruins standing as a testament
to our pestilence.
Is your courage showing in your life and art?
Well… is it?
Please leave your thoughts in the comments.
