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October 06, 2005
Room Without A View
I know a youg man who has decided not to return to school after being suspended for bad behavior. He is an exceptionally smart young man and has incredible potential. I believe he could be a doctor, a lawyer or perhaps even a rocket scientist if he really wanted to. I sincerely believe he has THAT much potential
He honestly thinks that he will be very successful without completing high school though. When I asked him what his first goal toward being successful was going to be, he told me to win the lottery.
His comment reminded me of a story I have shared before, but would like to share again:
A woman called me some time back and begged me to help her get her book published. She told me she has a best-selling children’s book that she knows everyone is going to love. I told her it was difficult for me to help 'myself' getting published, let alone other people. I went on to explain that even though I have thirty books in print, my new books do not automatically get published.
She begged me to at least have coffee with her to talk about the book. Although my gut feel told me different, I agreed to meet her for two reasons. 1) I appreciate her belief in her own project and 2) I always tell people to be persistent and never give up.
“Okay,” I said at the coffee shop. “Show me your book.”
“Umm. Well, I haven’t written it yet,” she said. “But let me tell you my idea. It’s really good. Okay so there was this little bunny called Hoppity…”
It was tough for me to tell her this, but I told her something I find myself mentioning often. “Success is where preparation meets opportunity. You cannot expect to succeed if you haven’t put in the time and effort."
But you’re so lucky’” she said.
“The harder I work, the luckier I get,” I replied
Henry Ford once said, “You can’t built a reputation on what you’re GOING to do.”
It reminds me of man who went through an incredibly tough time and prayed to God for help.
“Please God, let me win the lottery,” He begged.
Two days later, the man’s car was repossessed. Again the man prayed. “Please God, let me win the lottery, they have taken my car.”
A week later, the man lost his home. Again he prayed. “Please Got let me win the lottery. My home is gone.”
Suddenly a deep voice came out of the sky and spoke to the man. “Would you at least buy a lottery ticket?”
Posted by trevor at October 6, 2005 10:39 PM
Comments
ahhhh, famous jewish joke thrown in there at the end for good measure :)
heard THAT ONE repeatedly growing up as a not-so-subtle message.
It works. Although sometimes you buy that ticket and have to hold onto it for a good long while before ya hit the pay (money, good feelings, wealth of happiness--however one defines PAY) dirt.
Posted by: carla at October 7, 2005 07:58 AM
I loved this. I worked at a Jr. High as the Theme Reader and often had kids come in and talk with me about their writing. Some were diligent and plodded along, writing everything they had to. Others knew it was a way of "getting rich" and thought they'd write great stuff. I always encouraged (both kinds of writers) and told them that the more they write, the better they get. One girl went on to write a book - fantasy, wonderful characters and plot and I expect some day to be standing in a line to have her autograph it for me. I have met with her at a local coffee shop since she graduated from high school and she's still writing and it's still great writing.
Posted by: ardi at October 7, 2005 08:45 AM
Years ago at a summer bar-be-cue, I met a high school student, who said that high school was the end of her education. Period. She was done and over with education after her senior year.
My Reaction: I jumped up and down, clapping my hands. "Yes. I love hearing this," I replied. "Because when I pull up to my fast food restaurant, you will be there to give me my cheeseburger and fries. I need people like you."
Her father hooted. She blushed.
I hope she changed her mind and continue on with some kind of education/training after high school.
Posted by: madame babushka at October 7, 2005 07:56 PM
I am certain that school is not the patent solution to growth or success. Many of your own stories bear witness to that, I think.
So perhaps the young man needs coaching as to finding out what he wants to do with his life, who he is. Then the goals and means may be easier to find?
There are many paths to the sea.
Posted by: Carin at October 8, 2005 03:24 AM
The asking for God to help a person is a favorite subject of mine, well not in a good sense. I find it sad when i hear people saying God will take care of them, or direct them, or make this that or the other happen.. If a person believes in God, fine, but when it comes to constantly expect God will do for you, or direct you that is another thing. Believe him to help guide you to where you need to go, fine, believe in him for the moral values, great.. but don't believe him as an entity that will control you life.
That is horrifying to me to ever thing there is something controlling my life. I would prefer to know I had a stake in my life be it for good or bad, you learn from the bad and you enjoy the good.
I have met alot of people recently who strongly believe God will make things happen, provide, etc.. and i just gasp. I know there is nothing I can say, but i do occassionally when I see a polite opprotunity.
IE: My bosses wife, i told her about someone else complimenting her for her strength, and ability to do everything she had done (re: some horrible recent happenings).. she replied it was not her, it was God who did that.. i said well others believe it was your strength and character who pulled you through this, and it is a compliment to who you are. I have avoided commenting on all the God will this and that, that she has said before, but this one I felt was a nice way of reminding her (I hope) that she is the one who has that ability, that control, and her destiny is her own.. (again i hope!).
Enough babble, just a pet peeve of mine.. These are all good people I speak of, i just wish they realized that they are the ones who control things, God will not make those things happen, they have to! Thank you for listening to my rant.
Posted by: tina at October 11, 2005 07:47 PM
Thank you.
I needed to read this post more than you know.
I'm gonna go buy that ticket now.
:)
Posted by: Donavan at October 14, 2005 12:01 AM