I asked a leader in my workplace what his next steps are in his career and he told me that he’s already doing what he set out to do. I thought he didn’t understand my question, so I rephrased it for clarity. I said, “what do you aspire to do beyond what you’re doing here.” But no, he actually did understand what I said the first time I asked. His response again was, ‘I’m doing the career I planned on doing.” The funny but not-so-funny thing is, I see much more potential for his future than he does. This man is so talented, not only in cooking, but he’s a natural born leader with sharp social instincts, solid character, and a personality that makes others want to follow his lead. He can do abundantly more than what he’s currently doing—and he hasn’t even hit 40 years of age yet! I’m hopeful that he sees his potential and strives for more than what he has limited himself to. But as for you, the ambitious trailblazer you are, I know you have goals and dreams that are bigger and greater than where you are. It’s a good place to be when you aspire for more, even if you’ve done great things to-date.
Recently, I shared on social media how I enjoy what I do a lot. But at the same time, my goals and dreams do not involve staying where I am forever. So as you read what I’ve studied out, I want you to know that you’re not alone. I too desire greater things, doing what I enjoy and what I’m m shaped to do, in a greater impactful capacity—but, in due time. And this brings us to our first Scripture if you want great things in your career this year.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Wherever you’ve been and wherever you are, a set time was planned for those events. When I look back at when I used to work at Def Jam, I sometimes wonder what that 3 year stint was all about. Why was I exposed to the entertainment world working with popular artists and industry professionals, and I’m not doing anything remotely close to what I was doing during that time? It could really be a head scratcher but the fact of the matter is, it served its purpose in my life at the right time in my life. Every stage prepares us for the future in some manner. Where you are right now is preparing you for the greater things ahead that you aspire to achieve. There is a season for everything, there is a time for everything, and there’s a reason for why that is, whether it’s obvious to you or not. You’ve heard it before: “trust the process.”
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10
If someone isn’t doing much with the opportunity that they currently have, based on this biblical principle, I believe God would be reluctant to give them anything greater. It’s like giving a teenager $150 every month to make a financial investment and they keep coming home with a new pair of basketball sneakers instead. Would you raise the child’s investment fund to $250 the following month just because she asks for it? Whether you like the stage you’re in right now or not, invest in it. Show God your appreciation and make the most of it as you continue to pray for the “much” that you want Him to trust you with. Also reference Proverbs 12:11, Proverbs 12:24, Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 14:23, and Proverbs 20:4, but be sure to wear a seatbelt when you read these. The turbulence gets rough!
“The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”” Judges 6:14
If you’re familiar with the Gideon story, you know that he doubted his capability to do what God assigned him to do. He doubted that he had what it took to take that next step. He doubted he would be successful. He doubted he would be great. He doubted he was even worthy of the task. He ultimately doubted God. Meanwhile, he was never expected to handle the charge on his own. When God sends you, He gives you the ability and resources to get the job done. If you know that you’re being called to take that next step and you’re letting other things distract you or you’re distracting yourself intentionally with procrastination, you’re holding yourself back from the success that is ahead of you. As God tells Gideon these words, I believe He also tells His people the same thing today. If God is sending you, all you have to do is go in the strength you have, and He will make up for what you may lack.
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6-8
You may have heard this before: “If you want to see your future, look at your friends.” Depending on what kind of work and life your friends lead, this statement could be encouraging or down right frightening. If you’re more frightened than encouraged, begin to change your circle. Look for power players that could be mentors, attend events where there are people doing what you aspire to do and network with them, connect with people in your community or organization you’re a member of who are impressive in some way and befriend them. The company you keep will affect where you are and where you’re going, so be wise about who you spend your time with. Overall, spend less time with the people that are negative, not doing much with their lives, and end up wasting your hours. Another Scripture shares, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 If the people around you aren’t sharpening you as you pursue greater things in your career, it’s time to find people that will. Also reference Proverbs 13:20 and Proverbs 14:7
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
I think we all know that a dream will keep you sleeping if you don’t have a plan to achieve that said dream. So I’m certain that you have a plan on paper outlining what needs to be done to get to where you want to be. If you don’t have one already, most definitely put that on your to-do list—because it’s true when it’s said, “when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” I’d even go as far as to say, “when you fail to plan, you plan to stay right where are, ultimately going nowhere.” Not as catchy, but it’s still true.
However, even more critical than having a plan is committing your actions to God. What does “commit to the Lord whatever you do” mean? It means having the mindset of pleasing God in your endeavors. Incorporating ways to love others as part of your mission, as it was Jesus’ mission. Striving to give God glory in what you’re doing. Giving God the credit and being deeply grateful for achievements won along the way. Making Him look good by using your talents with diligence and excellence. Remaining humble like Jesus in every stage of the way, especially the ones where you begin to enjoy fruit from your labor. Showing integrity by not giving up unless it is made clear that you are no longer supposed to be going in that direction. It also means not allowing your work to become the central focus of your life, but rather, keeping Jesus as your priority. Because if you don’t seek to live for Christ, your career plans could bring you worldly success but at the same time bring you spiritual poverty. Also reference 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 6:19-21 and Matthew 6:24.
Are there any other Scriptures that you find encouraging yet convicting as you pursue greater things in your career? Leave them below in the comments!
To powerful workweeks and good morning eats!
Love,
Yardley
ACAI QUINOA PORRIDGE
Ingredients
1 cup tri-colored Quinoa
2 Tbsp. Acai, frozen
1 ½ cups Almond Milk
Walnuts for topping
Coconut flakes for topping
Pinch of Sea Salt
Honey to taste
Instructions
Add 2 cups of water, 1 cup of quinoa and a pinch of sea salt to a small pot on high heat
Once water comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot to trap the heat
Let cook for 15 minutes or until coil springs out of grain which indicates that it’s cooked
Add 1 ½ cups of almond milk to the pot and stir
Allow to sit in the heat for 60 seconds
Then add porridge to a bowl
Stir in honey to sweeten to your preference
Top with nuts of your choice—my choice was walnuts
And garnish with coconut flakes
The Acai I bought was from Trader Joe’s and was frozen. What I did was blended one of the packets in a blender with a few tablespoons of water
After blending, it turns into a slush, so I took a couple of tablespoons of the slush and added to the bowl which melted the acai nicely
From there, you can stir the acai into the porridge
Enjoy!
