Visionary Living

This is an older post that was somehow relegated to 'comments' instead of being published as a daily blog. As a result, it was not easy to view unless you are an expert at this business of blogging, which is not the case for lots of folks. Thought I would share it again for this reason. Enjoy

For Joseph, Leslie, Regan, Maddy, Griffin, Robert, Kimberly, Debbie, Amber, Dwight, Corey, Carla, Marilyn, Jack, Preston, Ashley, my dear friend and extended family Sam, Marilyn’s long time friend Sandy and my very special cousins Ed & Carolyn Sue, Kim and Marsha:

We went to Brenham, Texas where there is a site called Washington on the Brazos with a group from our church. Washington on the Brazos is the site where 59 brave souls were busy writing the constitution of the Republic of Texas (Texas was actually a NATION from March 1836 to late December 1845, when it became part of the United States). The remarkable thing about this is that they had gathered in this place simultaneously with the battle of the Alamo. Since there were 4,000 Mexican soldiers against a group of 189 Texas citizens (some women and children), there was a real and present danger that Santa Anna’s Troops would find their whereabouts and slaughter these remaining 59 before the constitution could be written. It took 2 weeks for them to finish the constitution, which is still the basis for Texas law.

The reason I’m telling you this story is that it’s a story about having faith in what you are doing, putting your belief and your resources (including your life as you know it) on the line, and coming out a winner, even if you end up dying for the result. In our time we seldom die for principles and dreams the way these folks did...except for those of us who have to go to war, but we are called to think bravely, act with unwavering faith and push to the finish line in whatever we do.

It’s easy to look at people who are blessed with extraordinary talent or fortune and think that they had a leprechaun in their pocket when they were born, but the truth is that they have exactly the same burdens as we do. There was a moment in their lives when they realized their gifts, and more importantly, they bravely put the gifts to good use. Being a visionary in your own life under very ordinary circumstances is a constant trial; acting daily on your visions with impunity regardless of your current circumstance is an act of constant bravery.

These actions are also a gift of love and inspiration for all of the people who know you and care about you. The rewards are obvious. Favor in the eyes of God, love and harmony between you, family and the world you live in and a sense of personal peace.

It is not important where you are in this process at any given time. It is a living work of art. What is important is that you are aware of the quest, that you do something good every day to find or use your gifts, and that you aspire to be loyal and true to the people who support you in your efforts. There is an unquantifiable price to be paid for self realization. It is always a bargain and it always benefits every life that you touch.

Lastly, I want you each to know that for very different reasons I am intensely proud of your every day accomplishments in life, painfully aware of the struggles you have and so very thankful to be blessed with being your parent and/or your friend. I am still working to earn that blessing, but in the meanwhile, remember that I am also a work of art in process.

Be well, be happy, stay busy, enjoy life and love with all your heart. Do no harm to yourself or others. Everything you need will follow.