Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Squirrel on a Wire

Driving to work today, I noticed a squirrel running across a wire. He was quick and sure footed. He ran across without a care or concern. It didn’t appear that the squirrel had any doubt in his ability to run across the wire. It made me wonder why the squirrel didn’t run across the road. Did he have a bad experience? Did his sister get run over by a car? What if this squirrel had a fear of heights? Then it wouldn’t run across the wire. Maybe his fear would cause him to walk across the wire carefully with hesitation. But this little squirrel had no trouble at all.

Squirrels do what come naturally for them. They do what they were born to do. No one had to tell the squirrel to run across the high wire, it did it to get to the other side. It adapted to the environment around it. Where there was no tree, it improvised.

So what were your born to do? Are you living the life you were created for? What comes naturally to you, but you ignore it because it’s too easy. Is there a change that has to be made in order to adapt to your environment. Did you have a bad experience and now have abandoned that first love? Did you have a dream that you thought would never come true? Does fear of heights hinder your desire to reach for the stars? Do you have to be perfect to pursue your passion? Do you even have to be good at it? Who sets those standards . . . you, a teacher, a parent, or a friend?

Sometimes we think we have no talent because something comes easily and naturally. Some people can sing and never had a singing lesson. I know that some people have this raw talent and it becomes better with lessons. That’s not the point I’m making here. I could have a million lessons and I doubt this side of heaven I could hit a note on key. This doesn’t stop me from singing passionately. You don’t have to feel bad for me. I sing anyway . . . alone in the car and in the shower. Besides I’m cute and have other talents. If singing was among them, it just wouldn’t be fair.

There is nothing as satisfying as doing what you were born to do. Nothing as satisfying as living the life God wants for you. What’s your passion? What makes you feel free and excited? What drives you? You can do what you are passionate about even if you don’t get paid for it. Do you want to run on the ground or on a high wire? I want to run on the high wire freely and passionately towards what God has planned for me. I may never get published but I will continue to write. Writing doesn't come naturally for me, but it was what I was born to do. It’s what I’m passionate about. It’s what gives me pleasure. It’s becoming more natural as time goes on. Sometimes a seed is all we need. When we allow it to grow, we can be surprised at the outcome.

Of course I’m talking about things we do, not passion about people. I’m much more passionate about my relationships than what I do, but you get the idea.

So what’s your passion? What were you made to run on the high wire towards?

© Nadine Z. 2007

16 comments:

a woman who is said...

I saw this quote today. I thought I felt God giving me a gentle nudge, after reading your blog I think it is more like a shove. He wants me to stop waiting for the right time to follow my passions. I just need to do it. I am so proud of you Nadine, going for the gold this year with your writing!

C.S. Lewis:
Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice. Human culture has always had to exist under the shadow of something infinitely more important than itself... If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work. The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come... We must do the best we can.

By the way I love your writing. I always wish people could hear your accent though as I do in my head when ever I read what you write. It would be so cool if you could read your blog in your voice on line. I know you should do a talk radio show. I am not kidding! It would be fabulous.

Amydeanne said...

ouch!!!
What comes naturally to you, but you ignore it because it’s too easy

I wonder sometimes if that isn't exactly it! The things I love most I neglect the most b/c it's too easy.
Thanks for the push!
(now I"m wondering your accent?)

Knit-Wit said...

Tough questions. My passion was always to be a missionary and on my "feel sorry for myself days" I have to remind myself that my mission field right now is my family.

Thank goodness the squirrel is ignorant of electricity. Sometimes we need to stop thinking of "what could happen" in order to cross that wire.

Art said...

I love to write and to play music... though I'm afraid I'm not very good at either. But I do have a passion for those things so that's why I continue. Like you wrote, "There is nothing as satisfying as doing what you were born to do..."

Emancipation of the Freed said...

Great line... "Does fear of heights hinder your desire to reach for the stars?"

Loved this post, very well said!
Tom

Freedom Fighter said...

Here is another observation about squirrels. When they get frightened, they sometimes freeze. Not a good thing to do, especially on a road. I think it works for your analogy, too. Confidently proceeding takes us to new heights. Fearfully freezing could get us . . . flattened. Very thought provoking article!

Elle*Bee said...

About squirrels: Dear Hubby and Son #2 were at the bus stop just last week where they were watching a squirrel on a wire - just like your photo. Until it fell. Fortunately, it didn't seem to be hurt. It just jumped up and ran on it's merry way. How's that a metaphor for life?

(We lived in Virginia years ago where the popular joke was Q: "why did the chicken cross the road?" A: "to show the squirrels it could be done." Perhaps they've evolved to use wires now.)

What was I born to do? I'm still asking myself that very question...

palmtreefanatic said...

nice thought provoking words and so true to make one think about all this!
We should reflect on how far we have come and where we still need to go!
Blessings Nadine!

Shionge said...

I have a passion for embracing life Nadine and do the best I can in everything. I love to read and stimulate my mind all the time.

Anonymous said...

Wow Powerful post. I really believe that I was destined to be a mom. Being that I grew up without one yet my heart soars for my kids. It is my biggest challenge and my biggest reward.

I really like to knit too :)

Anonymous said...

I agree with Cindy! Amazing and timely post Nadine... You are a fabulous writer, keep it up! Blessings!

eph2810 said...

Well, sometimes I feel stuck, stuck in a profession that I don't like any more -- accounting. But I don't think that my photography would give us the extra money we need :)....
Yes, I am passionate about other things, but I am doing what needs to be done and try not to grumble too much about it - lol...

Thank you for making me think this morning.

Be blessed today and always....

Susan said...

I am passionate for sharing my love of Jesus.
Susan

Anonymous said...

Wow, you have inspired so many people today to think.

I must say that I do live my passion. I write each and every day with my daughters. I am living my dream.

I also must add that every single thing that I have ever done in my life has led my to this place. And I truly enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) each step along the path.

I think it is imperative to ENJOY each step (and even mis-steps!).

Thanks for your provocative post.

Sharon - Pinks & Blues Girls

EM said...

Nadine, Thank You! I needed to be reminded that our passions are a direction and part of our destiny. I have always had a dramatic personality, but most of all I am passionate for the one who created me that way. Thanks for the reminder of showing others the way to walk on the wire and go to the next height of adventure.

Sandy said...

Wow, great post, Nadine! Makes ya think, for sure.
I know what my passions are and I'm trying to use them, in the midst "life," and circumstances, in general, that get in the way!
Lots to think about :)
Sandy