“Whatever you want to do after you are tired is a passion…” ~ Dr Henry Cloud
I saw this quote on Twitter a few days ago. I think it’s accurate.
I would also add, what are those things in life you would want to continue to do after the sun went down or long after the applause and high-fives went away?
What is that thing (or things) you can’t NOT do? What are those things you keep doing even though sometimes as you journey up that passion path you are uncertain where the road is leading? Most days, I have no clue.
Reminds me of a quote I’ve heard many times:
“He gives us just enough light to make the next step.”
Years ago, one of the pastors at the church I was attending challenged us to figure out our passions.
As I was trying to unpack my passion, I told my husband that I was a little embarrassed by my answer:”I feel passionate about inspiring people with my story.” Oh, great, I thought, my passion is talking about myself…that’s not the least bit egotistical.
But there was more. There was a bigger picture and a bigger story I wanted people to hear.
I wanted to share about Beauty that lights up the sky even when the sun seems far away.
I wanted to share about a Hope that waits patiently for us, a Hope that is faithful to never leave us.
I wanted to share what happens when an imperfect, messed up story smacks right into the God of grace.
I wanted to share how this same God, when He sees us sitting tired and beaten down outside His door doesn’t even hesitate when he hears our one request…can we please come home? Instead, He welcomes us with a never-ending embrace and tells us He’s been waiting for us.
Many of you know, I have a quote that hangs over my desk. It’s been there for years. Ironically enough, it’s another quote by Dr. Henry Cloud.
It’s what I can’t shut up about.
It’s what I have discovered to be the answer to all my problems.
It’s what I want the people I cross paths with to grasp and understand about their situations and their own life.
It’s the kind of “atmosphere” I want to live in. No, on second thought, I don’t want to just live there, I want to roll around in it like a pig rolls around in the mud. I want this smell all over me!
“What we need instead is a relational atmosphere of grace and truth, where we are not condemned, even in failure, and where we hear the truth that we can never become all that God intended just by trying harder. This kind of relationship continually inspires us to deepen our moment-by-moment dependence on God, rather than causing us to fix it for ourselves. It’s only through our connection with God that we receive the power to genuinely change.” ~ Dr. Henry Cloud
PLEASE, don’t you ever stop talking about your passion and your story. You have absolutely no idea how big of an impact your words have had on my life!
Have I mentioned lately how much I miss you, Anne. You and the entire “flower” garden! 😉
I agree with Anne. Don’t STOP talking about yourself and what you have been lead to and learned. It’s through your story I have begun to see the courage I have waiting to be discovered and claimed so I can talk about mine. You bring the inspiration I seek when I need it the most…
Thank you
Thank you, Debra! I think that’s what I love so much about community…it’s just such an incredible way in which we can encourage one another. I love how we can give each other courage by reminding each other that we aren’t alone in our struggles. Love that!!
Loved that quote. It’s very true. Even after a long, grueling day in the office, mom and wife duties, I still open my laptop and write.
So true!
You are beautiful, my sweet friend.
Love you too, Pilar!
I love hearing your story and about your passions. You are awesome, CupaJoeGirl!
Thanks for the encouragement, Larry!
An awesome quote, Eileen. I so needed to read this today! Do keep sharing your story and developing your passion. We are listening and responsive to it. Thank you xx 🙂
Yes, been thinking about the quote all week. Thanks, Joy.
Love these quotes…and your passion!
Thanks, Don. I appreciate that.
Love that quote! This is really making me think a little more about what I am passionate about and where my time would be better focused more.
Asking myself that question really did open up a whole new world!
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Henry Cloud is someone i had not heard of. I very much like the quotes of his that you chose to post.
nance
Yes, Henry Cloud shares a ton of wise words! Thanks for coming by.
Loved the post – I’ve been seeing your comments on more and more of the blogs I visit, so your circle must be expanding 🙂
Thanks again, Rick. I did see so many familiar “faces” on your blog post.
I come over from Rick’s Saturday Shortcuts.
Yes, we do want our story told, but it is NOT about US. It is about the message deep within and hopefully those who read will understand God’s Love because of yours (and mine) and our stories.
Very true, Hazel. Thank you.
I like the idea of a relationship atmosphere of grace and truth, it reminds me of how Jesus said that we will worship in grace and truth. I guess even our relationship with God demands that type of atmosphere.
So true, Caleb.