Do the big things

It's not odd for me to be swayed by art. An afternoon in an art gallery or an evening with a great book…listening to inspired music by a talented artisan…they all put me on another plane–a new trajectory. It's as if the small things of life fade to gray and it's all about the wave, it's all about the pull, it's all about the big thing.

Of course this can be a very dangerous thing. It's said that all of life is made up of the small things. A guy who doesn't take care of the small things of life forgets to make the deposit or fill the tank with gas or leave a note for his wife telling her he'll be a bit late for dinner.

But, that being said, I want to be about the big things. I want to do the kind of work that moves people. I want to be a part of a movement, something so big it can't be ignored. Something people talk about. Something people scream about. It's not about fame or celebrity or even about awareness. It's about significance. It's about doing something that you can stand back and look at and its sheer size and magnitude takes your breath away. Yeah, I want to do the big things.

I think that's part of why this job search is such a hard thing for me. Believe me, after spending the day reading job posts it's obvious, there aren't too many people doing big things out there. In fact, it didn't seem like anyone really even cared about the big thing. I didn't find anyone saying, "Do you have the guts to come with us and work on the big things?" or "We're working on stuff so big you won't believe it!" Nope, not even close. It's just a bunch of average jobs for average people doing work that won't be remembered past the next episode of American Idol. (sorry for the cynicism, it's late and I'm tired)

You see, I may be crazy but I actually believe I was created for the big thing. Like the pull of the tide, I feel the mighty tug. If you've read this blog for very long you know that I love looking for the thumbprint of God. "God, where are you? Let me come! Let me be there too!" That's why the whole resume/ application stuff is so maddening.

I spoke to a friend the other day who (unknowingly) nailed me to the wall with all the things I wasn't doing to look for a job. It was tough. I was confused. I had shake myself off and remind myself that (as you know) I'm not looking for a job! 

Today (Tuesday) was a tough day. There was a mutual decision not to pursue a position that I thought, just maybe, had the chance to be the big thing. As I read the email, I felt like the hunter watching the prey wriggle out of the snare and run away. The big one just got away.

But hey, tomorrow's another day. There's another big one out there. I wasn't put on this earth to count paperclips, measure in centimeters, or punch a clock. I know this as well as I know my own name. 

How do I know this? God told me. 

Oh…He told you the same thing. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."