we were meant to…
11 August 2010 by Andy • 3 Commentsso my mind has been going a lot ever since attending a conference this past Friday in Atlanta called Making Ideas Happen
then, as i came across this picture today, i felt like it was sort of capturing what i was thinking/feeling…so, let’s see if this makes sense
the main concept from the conference was this: We all have ideas, but we all don’t more forward with or execute these ideas
mainly out of: fear
we are wired to make ourselves safe and comfortable – not just physically, but i would say even more so emotionally
we don’t want to be embarrassed
we don’t want to fail
we don’t want to say the wrong thing
we don’t want others to not like us
we don’t want people to think we are dumb
we want people to like us – like our ideas – appreciate our abilities
but, we are sometimes too afraid to go for it because hiding under the radar seems better than the alternative
and so, we play it safe – we blend in – we play it cool – we do what others are doing – and we become boring
it’s boring because we were not meant to blend in
you have been given a set of gifts – you have something to offer – and we, the community, NEED you to follow through on those gifts
we want to be inspired – we want to be encouraged – we want to see people stand out and be exceptional, and not boring
because that’s what helps us keep going, i think, as people
well, this has mostly been for me trying to get out what i have been thinking, but hopefully it makes sense to the other 3 of you reading this…ha
you have incredible ideas and a set of gifts capable of accomplishing them – so move forward – share them with others – keep going – and please, stop blending in
will you fail sometimes – probably
will it be hard – yup
will you ever get discouraged – almost daily
is it all worth the pursuit?: most definitely
by Claire
11th August 2010
11:04 pm
I really get what you’re saying here. I feel like that is something I constantly struggle with in college and in trying to decide what I want to do with my life. Way to hit the nail on the head. The picture is beautiful.
by Carla Hoff
12th August 2010
2:04 am
Andy, that’s awesome. Especially coming from a young guy like you. I think the things you list are things we all struggle with at every age and stage in life. If we can look at it from God’s perspective, imagine how he feels if we don’t use those gifts he’s given us? (Kind of like those awesome socks I got my husband, but he leaves them in the drawer??) Plus, seeing and appreciating the gifts in those around us is key, and especially encouraging them to live to their full potential. it’s why we set high expectations for our kids, and we have to remember to keep pushing ourselves too, to not hide and become boring, as you say. I’ve come to the place in life where I am so thankful for those around me that are gifted in areas I’m not!
I’m many years from what I hope is middle aged (ha!), but I find myself thinking I can’t do something because I’m too old now, or a chance has passed, but I believe God will take our gifts and use them for his purpose if we open up to Him. Thanks for making me think a little more.
Love the picture, as always. Um, and still need to hire you to give me some photography lessons…. 
by Kevin Sherman
12th August 2010
2:07 am
Looks like an uncropped picture from Switchfoot’s Hello, Hurricane album