I’ve long felt that my ministry is to encourage others to pursue their dreams. Life has led me to people on that path and I’ve felt privileged to be able to cheer them on.
A friend sent me a card thanking me for encouraging her to pursue her dream of writing for faith-based outlets. She’s doing it, and finding soul-enriching and wallet-filling gigs. A computer repairman told me his dream was to have his own business – I gave him the ole Ruth Rockne speech and told him to go for it. He sent me a grateful email the other day to let me know that he had taken the plunge and started his own consulting firm.
These things should put me in a positive frame of mind, but somehow it left me feeling… I don’t know, left behind. As if I’ve poured my energies into other peoples’ dreams, but feel like no one’s cheering me on.
Considering all the deadlines I needed to check off my list today, I started the day with prayer. I asked God for a sign that I’m on the right track. What is my true calling? How should I use my gifts? Where will I find the zhoozh, the mojo, the oomph to keep going?
Then I opened my email this morning. I got a very clear nudge from above that I’m on the right track. A great blog I subscribe to, “faith sweat & tears,” sent this prayer prompt: “Are you an encourager? Find an opportunity today to lift up someone’s spirits.”
Some days I’m thick as brick, but the message got through: keep lifting people up. Oddly enough, I felt lifted up by that realization. You know what, people? You can do it. And now I know like I know: so can I.
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July 1, 2011 at 3:45 pm
faithsweatandtears
I love the hernia reference … sometimes it does feel like a strain to bear everyone else’s burdens. Isn’t it great to know that we don’t have to carry it all? Encouragement goes both ways. 🙂
July 2, 2011 at 12:22 am
rhcwilliams
Thanks, Ang! So true that we don’t have to hoist that weight alone. That’s what faith is supposed to be for. Nice to have you in our little bloggie neighborhood!
July 1, 2011 at 6:07 pm
suebe
Ruth,
You truly are gifted in your ability to urge us all to follow our Path. I know I’ve experienced it myself. Thank you for that and for pointing me in the direction of Faith, Sweat and Tears!
–SueBE
July 2, 2011 at 12:26 am
rhcwilliams
SueBE, you are too kind. And I must say, you’ve been a gift to me. I’m inspired (and exhausted!) just by your goals for the month on One Writer’s Journey. You really set the bar for those of us trying to earn a living by writing and trying to keep the faith in a rather mixed-up world.
July 2, 2011 at 3:32 pm
lorihtursue
Go, Ruth, go! You are the bee’s knees.
Love,
Your #1 fan,
LoriGirl (who is constantly uplifted by you)
July 2, 2011 at 4:18 pm
rhcwilliams
Thanks, Soul Sista! Back at ya, mammala. You’re one of my favorite people in the world. I think this week I’ve been kvetch-y since I’ve got a cold. It also seems like God drops knowledge on me when I delve deep and ask myself these kinds of questions. Much love, LoriGirl!!