Fertile Ground - Inspirational Winners Circle I'm not a famous person by any stretch of the imagination, and doubt I ever will be. But there are some things that set me apart from the crowd. I know that behind every great person there's not necessarily a good spouse, but there IS someone who was willing to reach out his or her hand and give a boost, a chance, or a hand up. I also know that in order to be a success by my definition, it is my pleasure and duty to do the same for others as opportunities arise. Unlike Blanche Dubois riding on that Streetcar Named Desire, I do not "depend on the kindness of strangers." Chances are, the people who help me won't be unknown to me. There's not much gratification in investing time and effort in people we don't have an ongoing relationship with. People-helpers want to be around to celebrate and/or commiserate with those they are mentoring because that's where the satisfaction and fulfillment come into play. There are the rare gems who help others anonymously. We read of university endowments secretly donated by wealthy benefactors and see them on Oprah's Angel Network broadcasts after they've heroically and quietly helped others. But most of us want to be around to see the outcome of the gifts we give. The friends and acquaintances that've helped me on my journey have known me personally, even if only through connections made in cyber space. Talking about my goals and dreaming my dreams aloud have been therapeutic methods of getting my priorities in line, visualizing a happy outcome, and putting out feelers to others who may be in a position to help later. Being in the right place at the right time may have more to do with people knowing you are in need than actually sitting on the right stool at the right time in a Hollywood and Vine drugstore where a searching movie producer can find you. At least by expressing goals (not obsessing over them), I am being proactive. How many of us have the time to hang out all day at the drugstore anyway? Waiting for the winds of fortune or a winning lottery ticket has never worked for me. My successes have been guided by others, worked on one step at a time, and have built up over a long timeframe. A relative's boss gave me my first home and office to clean. He touched off the first domino in a chain that launched a good 4-year-old business. Through his kindness, I had a good job reference and access to the mighty word of mouth advertising. A friend moving out of state recommended me for her great part time job with a furniture rental company, and I've enjoyed the fruits of that labor for 3 years now. An editor/writer friend made through e-groups gave me my first real shot at writing. These jump-starts offered by others have gotten me farther down the road to success than I’d have ever gotten alone and under my own steam. I have what it takes to be successful because I make connections with good-to-the-bone people who are happy to see their friends thrive, and because I've learned many lessons at their feet. I also see the power of prayer in achieving my goals. I'm not afraid of hard work and I know how to bide my time. I'll never be rich or wildly famous from owning a cleaning service or from being in charge of housewares for a furniture chain. But these jobs, secured through the help of friends, pay the bills while I pursue the writing passion. Daily prayer devoted to my goals is also a key ingredient. Without the centering force of devoted prayer, I would have no connection to how my dreams, goals, and priorities are coming along. There would be no map of progress, but instead, a willy-nilly path of missteps and detours. By being faithful to my prayer time, I feel at peace and that my GGS (Godly Guidance System) is fully engaged as I start each day. I see myself walking across a perilous stream, depending on sturdy boulders and fortuitous logs of opportunity to appear beneath my feet. The hands of friends are always there to steady me and to help me in my crossings. My faith and dependence on the power of prayer in my life give me the strength to move forward with some assurance that all will turn out well. As my training progresses, I want to share my field guide expertise with others. I do not have to wait for an ultimate "pay off" somewhere down the line. If I never write the Great American Novel, I've already won by the friendships I've gained and the personal fulfillment I get from doing some small part in helping others achieve their dreams. I am rich by association. Achievement, accomplishment, victory, triumph -- whatever you call it, success is only made sweeter when those you care for share it. Paying back those who've unselfishly lent me a hand may not be possible, but helping other seekers often is. My idea of success may be different from most, but I see it happening. The threads I weave in my relationships can be intertwined into a beautiful tapestry of crisscrossing paths. I will have new friends and old join me in the spotlight of the winners' circle. Once there, we won't be spread out on the rungs of the success ladder, but standing on the ground with tightly linked arms and grateful smiles. We'll be scanning the crowd for outstretched arms.
Helping Hands Scripture Acts 11:29 – “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 2 Samuel 10:2 – “David thought, "I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me." Psalm 109:16 – “For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted.” Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” Contact Angie Ledbetter at AngieDLed@aol.com |