Diamond in the Rough

This week, as I was pondering some ways to transform my daily “to do” list into one containing fun and adventure, ala my last blog post, I had an ephipany!

Many things in life have come fairly easily to me – good grades in school, learning to play the piano, learning to cook, gaining weight . . . but I digress. Yes, many things took little effort, while other things took more effort, like passing the CPA exam. I know, you’re totally shocked that I didn’t pass that baby in one try, aren’t you?

But for the past several years, nearly 6 to be exact, life has not even been close to easy. That’s really an understatement as I have experienced some major life stressors. And I have found myself, at times, nearly paralyzed emotionally as a result.

During a recent conversation with my new accountability partner, Susan Davis,  the question came up “what would your goal be like if it were ideal . . .?” What popped out was my belief that once I achieved my goal my life would be EASIER.  I probably mentioned (whined) that I was pretty tired of struggling and just wanted my life to be back on an even keel.

As I was reflecting on that conversation, God reminded me of a commitment that I had made to him more than six years ago. That’s right, the beginning of what I’ve come to refer to as the “difficult years” coincide with my commitment. You see, I had committed to God that I wanted to be everything He wanted me to be. No matter the cost. Now, I had a definite view in my mind of how I would get there and the beautiful, peaceful, perfect life I would have. God’s plan seems to be different. And quite frankly, I have expended a lot of energy being angry, and chafing against this plan.

Here’s the epiphany, “Adversity is the diamond dust with which heaven polishes its jewels.” The author of this quote is unknown. Obviously, I’m a diamond in the rough and need some polishing. I’ve always been a person who despises mediocrity. Easy equals mediocrity. You can call it taking the path of least resistance or something else, but all of those paths ultimately lead to one destination – mediocrity. Frank Clark said, “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”

Speaking of leading somewhere, here’s where I’m going with all of this. Yes, I’m finally landing.  Since I want to be everything I’m meant to be, then I must embrace the adversity, see it as God caring enough about me to smooth and polish out my rough spots so that I can shine. And that thought of shining . . . being all that I was put here to be . . . really fuels my passion.

How about you? Are you experiencing some obstacles? Are you tired and feeling defeated or have you learned this secret? I would love for you to share with me your thoughts and experiences so that we can all learn and be inspired.

I want to end this with one more quote; this time from Washington Irving, The Sketch Book, 1820: There is in every true woman’s heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles us, and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.