Every day is a new beginning …
Several years ago, a friend hosted a birthday breakfast. We ate, laughed and shared our gifts. In the midst of the celebration, our host stood up and shared her birthday wish. She wanted each of us to answer her question: “What would you do if you knew that there was a guarantee that your endeavor, no matter what it was, wouldn’t fail?”
That was a simple, yet profound, question. We all agreed that we needed time to ponder. It was also an excuse not to answer the question right away. As I drove home, I thought about digging deeper into my art, expanding my writing and taking more leaps of faith.
The birthday girl emailed us the next day, reminding us that she was still expecting her answers. Our responses poured in: visions of opening up a counseling center for teens, becoming a foster parent, traveling overseas, writing books, returning to school and starting new businesses. Others shared about being more intentional about cultivating positive relationships with family and friends, releasing negativity and being more appreciative of each day.
Most of us shared that, after we answered the question, it naturally prompted us to ask the other question: Why should fear of failure stop us from pursuing this goal? This reminded me of the wisdom of the poet Nikki Giovanni, who said, “I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don’t mind the failure, but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try.”
We realized that was the original purpose of the birthday girl asking us the question; she wanted the question to be a catalyst for us to pursue our passions. Our responses and eventual pursuit of these plans were her most valuable birthday gifts.
Each one of us has unique gifts, passions and talents. God has created us with special attention and care, and we’re reminded us of this in Psalm 139:14, which says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Each of us is a masterpiece, a living and breathing example of God’s artistry and skill. What gifts, passions and talents have poured into you to share with others?
At a conference I attended last year, one of the award recipients was a brilliant minister, writer, theologian, professor and mentor who was in his 80s. He shared why he never slowed down: “Imagine the last moments of your life and your dreams are standing all around you. Will they thank you for fulfilling them, or will they ask you why you didn’t breathe life into them while you were alive? I am fulfilling all of the dreams that God has placed within me, and breathing life into every single one.” The mere act of writing these words transports me back to the experience again, and in that moment I found myself asking the question that my friend asked us at her birthday party.
Today, I offer you the gift that my friend offered to me by asking you the question:
What would you do if you knew that there was a guarantee that your endeavor wouldn’t fail? Why should fear of failure stop you from pursuing it?
We’ve begun a new year, but we don’t have to wait for a new year to begin again. Each day is a new beginning. Each day is a gift waiting to be opened and a chance for us to ask the question.
Sheila P. Spencer is a published author, poet and speaker. To connect with her, visit sheilapspencer.com.
