Just Around the Corner

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Big things are in store. Big things are just around the corner. But they don’t just happen. We must prepare be ready for them.

In the Bible, Joseph became second in command over all Egypt. It didn’t just happen, it took a lifetime of preparation. It took him making the right choices and living in a way that was conducive to the lifestyle that was just around the corner. His family thought he was crazy. People around him thought he was crazy and just a dreamer. But, when the Pharoah put him in position, then it all seemed to happen overnight.

We have dreams. We have a gut feeling that something big is coming. But, if don’t get ready for it, when it comes, we won’t know what to do with it. I have many friends in the acting industry. I was talking with one of them the other day and he told me, before the Oscars finally came and the big roles were the norm, he would imagine himself in that role. He said he would practice being humble and kind to fans, before he even had any. When he finally became “famous”, he rolled right into it like it was second hat. He was ready and was able to humbly accept his new lifestyle.

Before your big thing even comes, begin to act the role now. Dress the part. Prepare your heart and keep your focus. Hold on to the dream, no matter what others tell you. And when it finally comes, be grateful and help others reach their dreams as well.

Joseph, once he was in position, ended up helping his family. He ended up helping his people. He didn’t turn his back on them just because they didn’t believe in him. He forgave them and provided a better way for them. He was able to serve others in the new position, because he had served others when he was in jail.

CHALLENGE: What can you do now, to ensure that you can handle what’s just around the corner? Write  down your dream and start dressing the part now.

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Embracing Your Mistakes

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Sandra Bullock turned from the girl next door to a serious Oscar winner in 2010, but when her world was shook with the discovery of her husband Jesse James having an affair, Bullock came out on top with grace. She completed the adoption of her son and continues on with inner strength during a difficult time.

That in and of itself is inspiring, however the fact that she showed up in person at the Razzie Awards later that year to accept her Worst Actress Golden Raspberry trophy for her role in “All About Steve.” left me in amazement. She arrived pulling a cart full of DVDs for the Razzie Foundation members, and said: “I will show up next year if you promise to watch the movie, and really consider whether it was really and truly the worst performance.” She pledged to return her trophy if that was the case.

The implication of that move was inspiring, because everyone has moments in their careers where they put out terrific work, and others where they produce not-so-terrific work. Typically the not-so-terrific stuff happens early on and is buried in your archives by the time the person steps up to the microphone, dignified and serious, to accept their Oscar, Emmy, Pulitzer, Nobel, what have you.

“I’ve made mistakes, and I know why I made them, but I made that choice. Nobody’s ever made a choice for me.” – Sandra Bullock

That Sandra Bullock embraced all of her work and had such a sense of humor about it is truly classy. Mistakes, failures and flops – in work, in parenting, in life — are part of the journey. She reminded everyone not to get sidelined by a Razzie, because an Oscar-winning performance may lie ahead – and whatever happens, keep it light, keep taking risks, and keep having fun. (And always remember to thank your mom in your acceptance speech.)

Learning from mistakes requires three things:

1. Take risks…allow yourself the opportunity to grow and be challenged.

2. Be bold enough to admit to your mistakes.

3. Be courageous in making forward changes in your life.

The Scriptures state that a righteous man falls seven times, yet gets back up. Stories of Moses, David and even Paul remind us that our mistakes don’t have to dictate our legacy. Embrace your mistakes, learn from them, but don’t remain in them.

 

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