Sail on an ocean of discovery
It was a beautiful, warm summer morning when a man who had been feeling sad and unfulfilled for quite some time, walked on a cobblestone pathway to seek advice from a wise village scholar.
The man was living in comfortable surroundings, and his circumstances were secure. Nonetheless, the man was so dissatisfied and terribly unhappy with his life. Well-known for his Godly wisdom and counsel, the scholar compassionately agreed to meet with the man at the scholar’s quaint country home.
When the man arrived, the wise scholar was seated in a white rocking chair on his front porch. He was wearing a large brimmed hat and greeted the man with a warm smile. Yet, before the scholar said a word, the man desperately implored, “Great scholar, I have good health and material possessions, but I am so unsettled. I’m worried, depressed and down on myself. I have sought to be happy, however something is missing.”
Listening closely, the wise scholar rocked back and forth in his chair. Pensively, the man continued, “I have an unsettling feeling that something important is undiscovered. And now, I’m fearful, and I think my best days have passed me by.” Then, the man let out a deep breath and asked, “Please, scholar, please tell me how can I be cured of this extreme discontentment?”
After a few minutes of silence, the scholar spoke, “I have an answer for you.” Immediately, the man’s heart nearly burst with relief.
“You must set out on a journey that will include many travels,” the scholar explained. “Every day, keep a journal of where you go and what you discover. God will be with you, as you journey on…”
“Then, when you get home from your trips,” the scholar said, “visit me again, and I will tell you what to do next.”
With that, the man uttered, “Thank you,” and he hurried off. Feeling energized, the man returned home and, with faith, he prepared for his extensive travels.
Soon, thereafter, he left. He went from one exciting place to another. The man met interesting people, saw incredible sights, and experienced many
extraordinary adventures. And each day, obediently, he wrote in his journal as the wise scholar advised.
Eventually, the man came back from his remarkable journey. A few days later, he returned to the scholar’s home. The scholar greeted the man, and instantly he observed the sparkle of light and happiness in the man’s eyes. His whole attitude was somehow different.
“So you had a good trip?” the scholar questioned, nodding in approval. “Yes!” the man exclaimed, and the man told him just a few of his exciting once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The scholar smiled. Gently, he placed his hand on the man’s shoulder and asked, “What have you learned?”
Full of energy and elated, the man looked excitedly at the sage and replied, “I have learned that… You cannot discover new oceans until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
Satisfied and saying a silent prayer of thankfulness to God, the wise scholar uttered, “Exactly!” And the rest of the man’s life was lived with passion, creating wonderful memories and experiences that kept fueling his heart’s desires.
Are you settling for less than you are capable of experiencing, because of fear, past mistakes, or disappointments? Or are you being stopped from living the life of your dreams by feelings of inadequacy, insecurities or regrets? Then, maybe the aspirations that were once so alive in your heart seem to have slowly faded away, as you start to think that your best days are far behind you.
But wait. Don’t miss God’s best for you because you’ve come up with excuses to quit or you’re fearful to take that next step ahead. A Proverb says, “Your ship cannot come in if you never sent it out.” In other words, don’t take the easy way out or cling to what is safe. Venture out. Take a step out of your comfort zone. You’re courageous, strong and capable. And you can accomplish anything you put your mind to do. Hence, this is not the time to concede defeat. This is the day to give your God-given dreams a new beginning. Just as God had a bigger purpose in mind for the man in this story, God has a great purpose for you, for God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Your breakthrough is coming. Hence, persist onward. Act in faith, and like the man; you can soar to new heights that you might never have previously imagined.
I once read about a famous mountaineer that said he would occasionally, on purpose, climb himself into a position where it was difficult for him to get back down. Thus, he could only go up. The mountaineer said, “When there’s nowhere to go but up, you jolly will go up.”
So, go, search, and live the God-inspired life that you were created to live. Explore and enjoy every single moment. A while ago, I heard about a good-hearted person who gave money to needy people. Often, he would roam the streets near soup kitchens; typically handing out $50 bills to people he met along the way. The man had overcome many struggles in his life, and now he wanted to bless his fellow human beings. So, one after the other, the goodhearted man handed out the money.
Similarly, God is overflowing with a desire to hand out to you a never-ending supply of gracious blessings. One blessing, followed by another, and yet another–right after that. Keep praying, keep working, keep learning, and keep reaching for your treasured dreams. Don’t settle for less. Right now, God is orchestrating the right turn of events to positively bless your future. Your time for success is drawing close. And you will go further than you ever dreamed.
I believe that God is trying to accomplish something in the life of someone who is reading this column today. If it is you, I pray that you will live out to the fullest this wonderful life that God has given to you.
There’s a big world out there for you to discover. Sail on an ocean of discovery!
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” has endeared her to readers across the country for over 15 years. In addition, Catherine is featured on television and radio where she inspires viewers and listeners by offering inspirational commentary, home decorating and entertaining ideas, plus DIY segments. She is the bestselling author of three books: A New You, God Will Do the Rest, and The Open Window. As a designer, her gift lines have been featured on QVC and she is a former Miss Connecticut USA.