Books

Learn more about me and my books at http://debbi.weitzell.com.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Final Chapter

The final chapter:


Chapter 7: The Glow of Success

Finally being who you were meant to be—or at least knowing that you are in the process of becoming that person—brings of sense of peace. Being at peace with yourself and knowing you are doing what God wants you to do brings deep, sustaining joy. That, my friend, is success.
Success has nothing to do with possessions or popularity. You were sent here to accomplish certain things. Finding out what those things are and dedicating yourself to achieving them is more rewarding than anything I know.
I have several things I’m supposed to accomplish. One is to teach our children and their children what I have learned, and to show them what love is. Though I’m not perfect at it, I have worked long and hard, and I feel good about the results so far. Our children have all left the nest have established their own lives, and they’re doing quite nicely. They are pursuing careers they love, handling responsibility well, and feeling the satisfaction of doing what is right. (That’s not my doing alone, but I have been a contributor!)
Another thing I’m supposed to do is write. After our children left home, I had more time to devote to this talent. The 15 years in which I could only work at it part time were training ground. Those years and the hours I spent on the stage, in the director’s chair, and at the keyboard have given me the ability to really start spreading my wings.
Those are just two of my jobs in this life. We all have many, and each will have the opportunity to be developed, in its own time; but we have to take the initiative to make it happen. We have to seek out those talents and figure out how to use them. As we do, we are fulfilling the purposes of God, making ourselves instruments in His hands. Times will come when He will need our talents to somehow bless the lives of others (like he did with the play I wrote). If we haven’t developed those talents, we cannot help Him in the ways He would like. I, for one, do not want to have to explain to Him why I was not ready when He called!
Each person is responsible for his own happiness. You’re the only one who can make you happy, and you’re the only one who will really try. As much as others love you, they can’t do it for you.
Working through this system—which developed step by step as I asked God for help—has made my life very rewarding. No, it’s not a bed of roses; life wasn’t meant to be. There are still the daily challenges (not problems!) of money and health and relationships and all the rest. The difference is my ability to handle those things. I know who I am. I know what I can accomplish. And knowing those things keeps everything else in perspective.
Perhaps I still don’t meet the world’s definition of success. I’ve only sold one short screenplay and published one novel (though I expect that number to change dramatically within six months; I don’t have a play on Broadway; and my income as a full-time writer is only now beginning to trickle in. But I like who I am, I like what I’m doing, and I know I’m right with God. I love smiling at that lady in the mirror. Nothing else matters.

Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more exciting content!

1 comment:

  1. Debbie ~ You are certainly a success. Not many people can say, "I like who I am." Making money isn't that hard to do, but living your dreams and persuing your goals are challenges. Keep going!

    Peggy

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