mike soltis art http://www.soltisart.com/
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Listen. You have to really, really listen. The world is noisy and add to that the noise we have in our own heads and it’s a wonder we hear anything at all. As I was approaching my 40th year, I decided to take a look at how I was spending the bulk of my time. Turns out it was doing work that neither inspired or challenged me. So I decided to do something about it. I would quit. Problem was, this work gave me a pretty good paycheque, a really great group of people to work with and very little worries in terms of being able to afford the life my family and I enjoy. But I could not shake the voice inside me that was telling me to quit. To do the things I wanted to do. To spend my time pursuing the creative gifts I’ve been given and not waste them in an office job that left me feeling unfulfilled. Listen. So I took a good 6 months to discern. To think. To pray. Paying attention to what I was hearing and seeing around me, what others were saying, what was brining me life, what seemed to be generating life and energy in the world and what I felt in my core was resonating the most. I talked to trusted people in my life, talked a lot to God, started pursuing my passions more diligently and welcomed and encouraged creative opportunities in my life. The answer soon became incredibly clear to me. Quit my job. Listen. Actually making the decision was difficult. For me and for my family. Letting go of a secure branch without another one to grab on to is . . . challenging to say the least. But I knew, we knew, that it had to be done. Listen. So I did. And it felt . . . exhilarating. And freeing. And like anything is possible. Because it is. It’s really cliché but absolutely true. Listen. If we listen we can hear the person inside us that the world wants to know. That the world needs to know. Because that person was created with a purpose and fulfilling it will drive out fear, ignite passion and release you into the freedom of being. You. I’m a 40 year old painter/actor/creator with a wife, two kids, lots of bills and no steady income. But I will keep listening. And things will be fine. And I will love and be loved. And no matter what happens, I will passionately pursue the life I believe I’m meant to live and trust that it will matter. Because the world needs to know me. And the world needs to know you too. |
Thanks for sharing this Mike. I mentioned it to my husband who wants to use part of it in his sermon on Sunday. I believe he’ll contact you directly for permission.
Thank you for sharing your struggle and demonstrating courage in listening. I am reminded of Elijah who looked for God in the wind, the earthquake and fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. You have to listen closely to hear a whisper.
Blessings,
Hi Mike
I will be preaching on Matthew 13:44-50 (the parables of the hidden treasure, pearl, and Dragnet) this Sunday and would like permission to use your story in the message. It is prompted by the observation/question of Craig Blomberg (Preaching the Parables: From responsible interpretation to powerful proclamation) that “we see so few examples, particularly in our American society, of people who obviously demonstrate sacrificial living—a commitment to Christ that truly costs them something significant, whether through downsizing their property and possessions, through changing jobs, or through radically different spending patterns.” (133/134). I would like to share with my congregation that while this is rare, there are still some today who are listening and responding. If given permission I would protect your identity if you want me to do so.
That would be great Loren. No need to protect my identity. The reason I told my story was in hopes that it might encourage someone else so I hope that it is meaningful for your congregants.
Thanks!!