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re-post from 2009: Potential

Nathan Smoyer Marketing major graduated with honors from Central Penn College in 2010

I originally wrote this in February 2009. I posted it as a note on Facebook. I was a student at Central Pennsylvania College at the time. I wish I could remember why I wrote this because as I reflect on that time, this is a fairly odd entry coming from me. I tried not to alter it despite wanting to say a few things differently.

Potential

Everyday many of us wake up early to head to work or school in order to perform a task while hoping that task shall yield a reward. There are times however when our reward seems to fall short of others, even though we feel we have worked harder or deserve a much better reward than them. I have found myself feeling same way often when others around me seem to succeed in things much easier than I do. This feeling often leads to desire a much greater reward or do better than the other person. This form of jealousy can take a hold on a person’s attitude and demeanor towards others, causing a relationship to go sour and igniting selfish actions.

As I was meditating one morning God gave me a verse to soften my heart. James 3:16, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” God could not have been more plain. Even for those who do not believe the Bible is truth can acknowledge the truth in that statement.

God has instilled a potential in all of us to reach. He calls for us to always persist and try our hardest.(Even when we are considered to be at our lowest in life or when others work against.) Ephesians 6:5-8, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve whole heatedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”

God’s potential for us will not only may lead us to success here on earth but will also enable us to grow closer to God himself. He has intended for all of us, to give everything our all with submission to one another. This type of action allows us to reach our potential but not just for plain sake, but in accordance to God’s will.

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Oh how quickly loneliness creeps in . . .

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For whatever reason, I’m going to open up for a minute. Here’s the catch: lets not talk about this. I write this because I’m fairly positive I’m not the only one who has had these kinds of thoughts or experiences.

Recently I bought a car. It feels awesome to be able to own a car. AKA #lilsnug

I would be lying if I didn’t admit an immediate boost of confidence that comes with holding the nearly 40 year old key in my hand to a 1600cc beast. The excitement of owning a car again got me thinking about a few things I hope to begin pursuing.

  • A new idea for a side business
  • Traveling to places like Easter Island
  • Seeing more of Washington state
  • Asking a girl out for a date
Lets jump to the chase on this post. I thought going for it and asking this girl out would be a great idea. I mean, with my confidence at a recent high, now’s the time! My beard is coming in strong, my knee is healing and I’m back to pushin’ whips—dating is the next obvious challenge for me.

So I did.

I asked this girl out.

And, she said no.
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  <H1><strong>Insert loneliness</strong>
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Oh how quickly loneliness creeps in.

Now, I didn’t exactly sulk for days on end. But my confidence ride was quickly served with a slice of humble pie. The flavor? Big deal, you gotta whip but don’t lose yo head creme pie.

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to interview Jonathan Martin about his latest book Prototype. Talking with him, I realized what had happened. I temporarily forgot who I was. I forgot my identity. I forgot that, I am DESPERATELY LOVED BY GOD! Oh what a reason to rejoice.

Humble pie, you’ve never tasted so good. Thanks.