Beginnings

I am a great planner…but I am not the greatest beginner. And, I am an even worse follower-through.

Let me see if I can explain. I am always coming up with ideas, but I don’t seem to actually start and finish things. For several years, I have made plans to start a business around my woodburning…to write a book…to pay off my debts. For even longer, I have planned to learn how to do stained glass, speak Spanish and take some photography classes. I could go on and on.  

Sometimes, I do get started on something I have planned. I don’t exactly have the greatest track record for following through on completing those things that have actually progressed from the planning to the beginning stage, however.  For example, I started a Doctoral program, completed half of the classes, and then dropped out. I was “planning” on going back to school after six months. That was two years ago.  And, this is not a new track record.  I even dropped out of kindergarten!

Tonight, I was listening to some friends sharing about self-reflection, prayer and meditation. When practiced separately, they are beneficial. When consciously practiced from an integrated approach, they are powerful. Self-reflection has made me aware that I am not the greatest beginner and that am not I consistent in follow-through. However, when I spend time in prayer and meditation, I am more assured that the exceptions – the times that I do follow-though and complete things – are more likely to be those that God has me doing for His purpose.

I plan to focus on this topic in my prayer and meditation over the next few weeks. When I have ideas and plans consistently reappear in my thoughts, is that God’s way of telling me to pay attention? To get started and do something about them?  I don’t know. However, I will be praying daily for the strength to get started – and follow-through – on what God would have me do in each day.

Recently, some friends of mine followed through on plans for a new beginning. They were married in a beautiful ceremony on the beach at Sea Island, GA. To commemorate the event, I decided to burn a plate for them. I finished burning today, but am contemplating adding some color before giving it to the newlyweds.

Commemorative Plate for the Newlyweds

I created the design using the wedding invitation, a picture I took of the pagoda on the beach, and a cute clipart picture of a “bride and groom.”  I'm wishing Noelle and Ben the greatest of new beginnings!