I’ve been accused of having my head in the clouds, of being unrealistic when it comes to what I expect out of life (for myself and for others). I see how others could have that view of me, but I disagree with it completely.
If you’ve been a reader for any length of time, you know that we tend to dream big around here, the biggest dream so far being to have our own design television show. A lofty goal? Of course. An impossible one? Definitely not.
It’s funny, we were having a conversation with our best friends not too long ago and the topic of “Is anything really possible?” came up. I love this topic. I’ve thought long and hard about it and I believe that anything is possible if you have two things: 1. A passion for that specific area/thing and 2. The willingness to put in hard work.
Here’s the thing about that abstract notion I refer to as “passion”- it’s something that I believe is put there by God. It’s put there with the expectancy that you will use that passion. It is not there to lie idle. To me, our passion is a gift given to us. It is the thing that gives us a purpose and fulfillment…and it’s not just for us. I think it’s for us to bless others as well. The design show is one way I believe I can use my passion to be an encouragement to others.
As you can imagine, when having such a lofty goal, there can be days when I feel discouraged that things aren’t progressing quickly enough or when we feel off track. I was feeling this way not long ago as a matter of fact, and I came across something that really helped me, so I wanted to share it with you.
Tim and I have really grown to embrace the idea of telling people’s stories with our designs over the past year and half. As Tim and I design for clients, I always ask a ton of questions. The most important ones of which are “What are you passionate about?” “What is your dream?” “What are some of your most memorable moments?” and so on. I use the answers to these questions to formulate my designs. Design for me is not just about creating a beautiful room, but a meaningful one. It’s about celebrating your past, your passions, and your pursuits. It’s about surrounding a person with things that remind them that they are unqiquely gifted to bring something special to this world- something only they can bring. When I start the design process with my clients, it’s about finding out what their story is.
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I love this notion that our lives are stories and just like any good book, they are filled with highs & lows, failures & victories. In fact, it is the climb to that ultimate success that I am most interested in when I watch a movie. Think about it….In “Rocky”- my favorite scenes are the ones of him training for the fight, running through snow and lifting tractor plows to the tune of “Eye of the Tiger.” The actual fight scene and victory is great, but it was knowing how hard he worked to get there that made the gold belt so meaningful. I get excited just thinking about it! 🙂
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So, when I look at my own life, I try to think about the fact that I am writing a story, I am leaving a legacy. And although I would love to be handed my dream on a silver platter, it just wouldn’t be as meaningful, memorable, or inspiring to others if that’s how it happened, right?!
Even though I know this, I (like everyone else) still get down at times. Recently, during a low point I got out my daily devotional to see if the Lord had any encouragment to offer me that day. And wouldn’t you know it, the God that crafts our passions and cares about our purpose, did. In the devotion was the verse, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Not something I would generally stop and ponder, but on that day, during that specific time, that tiny verse had major meaning!
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I’ve always thought of God as a creator (painter of sunsets, sculptor of mountains, craftsman of canyons, ect) but I hadn’t thought of him as a storyteller. Which, when I think about it is kind of crazy! Jesus was ALWAYS using stories to explain biblical principals. God loves a good story, both for entertainment value and to serve a purpose. I mean, he put Jonas in whale’s stomach, Paul in Prison, and made a hooker the hero. So, as I was thinking that whole concept through, it brought me so much peace as I realized that God was also writing my story, and not just writing it, but perfecting it. Ultimately “my story” is not about me, it’s about him, but I get to play a main character as he crafts a story that will have meaning and reach others. I am blessed just to be a part of it!
So, all that to say- if you’re having a rough time and need some encouragement, know that it’s your battles, your struggles that make your story worth reading or your “life movie” worth watching. Keep pressing forward, keep calling out to the Lord who loves you, because there will be a time when things come full circle and you will feel the fabulousness of your purpose and passion colliding! There will be a time when you see your story bless the hearts of others and it will all be worth it! 🙂
Amen! Beautifully said. I AGREE!! Thank you for your good example! I am cheering for you and hope your show becomes a reality! I am already a fan!
Kara, thank you so much for such an inspired post. I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and have read through your archives. I admire not only your creativity, but you encouragement of others to go after their dreams. I’m at the very beginning of what might be my journey or story. I just launched my blog, and I’m filled with ideas and plans of how it might lead me someday to be self-employed as a designer. My goal would be to be able to financially support my family, but to be able to be there for other kinds of support as well, support that sometimes having an 8-5 job doesn’t allow. I have supportive but very practical family, they’re not just dreamers. So when I get reminder of all the reasons why I shouldn’t succeed, I just go back through some of your posts and it gives me encouragement to at least try. The naysayers might be right, I may not be able to build a business that can financially support us, but I wouldn’t like myself very much if I never tried. Again, thank you for your encouragement and being a role model for a designer who is out there and making it happen!
A wonderfully inspiring and beautiful post! Keep pursuing your dreams: )) It will all come together in His time.
I think you were preaching to me tonight Kara. It brought tears to my eyes because I have been struggling with my art and if it’s really worth wasting time on it.. Nobody buys so I give it away to those that seem to like it. Better hanging in their home for them to enjoy than sitting in my garage or closet.
But one thing that stands out is working and struggling for that one chance that someday may come around, but it better hurry up because I’m 62 and the end is closer than it was in the beginning! LOL
Thanks for the sermon. It truly touched me….
Love ya
Sharlette
This is post is really what i needed, i always read your post you are such an inspiration for me. I am trying to embrace the design field, sometimes it can be quiet challenging, but I know that when God plant a seed no matter the difficulties it will fully mature. I wish you the best and I know that the tv show will be a reality in God appointed time and no matter what keep dreaming big, and Remember We can do all things true Christ who give us strenght
Beautifully inspired and written, Kara. Your passion for passion is contagious…and your point of view is always inspiring!
God bless you Kara! I needed this right now! Thank you for doing what you do, exactly the way you do it! 🙂