In my 20’s, when I was working in Washington, D.C., I began
to think about going to Law School. One
day, I was on a flight to New York with my boss, Emalee, to attend a business
meeting. I took the opportunity to talk
with her on the plane about my idea of going to Law School. Emalee was a lawyer, as well as my trusted
mentor, so I knew that her advice would be very helpful and meaningful to me.
I told Emalee that I wanted to go to Law School. I said, “But I’m not sure… I don’t think I’m
a good reader. Law School is all about
reading, so that is my number one concern.”
Emalee’s response changed my mindset instantly.
She looked at me intently in my eyes and said, “You will become
a good reader.”
If Emalee would have said, “Then Law School is not such a
good idea for you,” I believe my life would have gone in a different direction.
Instead, her response was realistic, full of encouragement,
and she did not minimize my concern. She
believed in me and she encouraged me to go to Law School. She was right, after all. In Law School, I became a good (I mean, really good) reader!
I moved away from D.C. years ago, but Emalee and I have kept
in touch. I spoke with her on the phone
the other day, and I reminded her of our conversation on the plane to New
York. She didn’t remember that
particular conversation, as we had taken many flights together for business
trips. But I remember that flight, because
it was a defining moment in my life. Her
words mattered to me and had a tremendous influence on my life.
I hope I can encourage you to realize that your dreams are
in your heart for a reason. Don’t talk
yourself out of your dreams. Begin with
a small step, and see where it takes you, always prayerfully. Let God lead you, on a daily basis.
Let me encourage you with some verses, written here from
memory. I think these words are
powerful. Read them out loud!
Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)
33- Oh, the depths of the riches of the
wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34- Who has known the mind of the Lord
or who has been his counselor?
35- Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?
36- From him, and through him, and to him
are all things. To him be the glory forever.
Amen.
(Emphasis added.)
Devotion
The Sovereign Lord is
my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on
the heights. Habakkuk 3:19
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for my
mentor and friend, Emalee. Thank you for
the encouragers you place in our lives. Help
me to encourage others and to remember that my words may matter to someone. Speak through me, Lord, and give me wisdom
and discernment that only comes from you.
And help me to share it with others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
© 2017 Linda Lijewski
