I've been thinking a lot about potential lately. Richard Cohen writes, "The question is not, 'How much potential do you have?' It is, 'How much potential will you live?'" He uses the example that a woman is born with all the eggs she'll ever have. But whether those eggs will become children depends on several factors. The bird's eggs above will only hatch into live birds if they are fertilized and then incubated for the proper time. The potential is there, but the bird's actions and other factors will determine if the potential becomes reality.
Too often we don't live up to our potential because we fear success as much as we fear failure. With success comes responsibility and we don't want to be a one-shot wonder. How often do you hear stories about that first book that was easy to write, but subsequent books now had deadlines or higher expectations for them. The excuses can go on forever and often do.
It comes down to what Cohen says about education which comes from the Latin "educare" and means "to draw forth from within": "Real education spotlights a child's uniqueness and stimulates her to discover and act on her natural talents. What would you be doing differently if you knew that the seeds of greatness were already with you? What you are is God's gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God."
So, relax about whether or not you "can" but rather concentrate on whether you "will". If you have a desire of the heart, then the seed has been planted. Your job is to draw it out through education, practice, and realizing no matter the outcome it will be good enough because it grew out of you--you with your particular flare, experience, and knowledge. It won't be like anyone else's creation and shouldn't be. Don't judge it--just let it come forth.
Father, thank you for this reminder that You planted my potential to share Your Love in creative ways and are here to help me bring it to fruition.
Link to scripture: Psalm 37:4
Take action: 7 Essentials for Living Your Fullest Potential
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