As Christian believers, the opinion of man does not determine our success in life.
It was a big day. The year was 1966. I was being interviewed for a job at Sibleys. I assembled my art portfolio and boarded a bus for downtown Rochester. I lugged my portfolio to the third floor and entered an office full of windows and drafting tables. My heart was pounding with anticipation as the interviewer silently shuffled through my artwork. "We'll get back to you in a few days." End of discussion.
Two days later, he called, "Sorry, you don't have the skills we are looking for."
His words rolled over and over through my mind. I was discouraged, but little did I know then what plans God had for me. I thought because the man was a professional his opinion was true.
Little did I know that one day I would author and illustrate children's books, be hired by Houghton Mifflin as a free lance artist, and sell my artwork everywhere I go.
Not me - not then.
The Opinion That Matters
The year was 1972, I went for an audition for a large choral group in Rochester. I entered a large, mint colored room with a massive grand piano. The interviewer went to the piano, waved his pointy finger at me and started to play. I scrambled to find my place, took a deep breath and sang with all my heart. Suddenly he stopped, slammed his fingers on the piano keys and declared, "Whoever told you that you could sing?"
I left a little stunned and red-faced, but I knew something he didn't. I'd recently accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and His Holy Spirit was already inspiring beautiful songs of worship during my quiet time. Ultimately, that man's opinion didn't matter at all. I was learning to trust what God said over my life. I never guessed I was destined to record and minister His songs into hearts and homes all over the world. All He ever told me to do was be faithful.
Through scripture we know that God wants us to flourish in life. The key is to grow in faith and trust in the Lord.
Remaining faithful to Christ is our road to success.
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but who delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers" (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).
God is in charge of setting the path. Don't let anyone discourage you.
Remember when Peter asked about the future of John? (John 21:20-22) Jesus said, "What is that to you? You follow Me." Peter was probably expressing loving concern for his friend, but what a powerful lesson for us. The roadmap for our lives is completely, and uniquely, in God's hands. What do others say? What is that to you? You follow the Lord.
Flourishing in God A Message from the Trees
Coming in May . . . just a couple more months and I'll have the books in my hands! It will also be on Amazon.
The Little Clock that
Couldn't Tock
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