Was I born knowing what my destiny would be? No

Do I know in totality the path my destiny will take me? No.

I just know there is something great out there for me to do in the service of others be it my family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. As I move forward, the picture gets clearer and the pieces start to come together.

In a service some years ago the preacher said God’s mathematics looks like this: A + B + C = D and God only gives you the “A”.

This equation is played out beautifully in one of my favorite movies, The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise as Capt. Nathan Algren and Ken Watanabe as Katsumoto, the Samuari leader. In the movie the two gentleman are having a conversation that goes something like this:

Katsumoto: Can a man change his destiny?

Capt. Algren: I believe a man does what he can until his destiny is revealed to him.

This is so poweful to me. I encourage you to do what you can each day and step by step you will discover your destiny is revealed as you move forward.

I’m really excited about what this year holds for you and me. There is no end to what can be accomplished if we focus on our race and run it in such a way as to win. So how does one run a race to win? We can learn a valuable lesson from the track official at the start of the race when he says:

On Your Mark — This is where you step up to the challenge. You’ve studied, practiced, and planned. Now it’s time to put it into action. Your focus is to stay in “your” lane and cross the finish line. Are you willing to go the distance?

Get Set — To get set is to get into position. You take ownership of your space and where you’re headed. When you’re in position, you come to realize that you run this race against no one but yourself. The ground to be covered in this race is meant for you to possess. Are you willing to claim it?

Go — Start moving. Knowing the reward you will receive for crossing the finish line is the reason for running in the first place. It is the catalyst that moves you forward. What reward is compelling enough to make you run after it? Do you know what it is?  If so, then I have one last thing to say to you…Step up to your block.

How many of us can reflect back on our childhood memories and recall some of the most aggravating things our parents did, but later can apply them to life in the most profound ways? Such is the case with my dad. We grew up in the piney woods of East Texas and like all good country folk we kept a fire going in the fireplace during the cold months. There isn’t anyone who can make a fire like my dad and he knew it. The fireplace, the source of heat, warmth, and comfort, was the gathering place in our home. However, my brother and I were sort of lax when it came to maintaining the fire. “Y’all let the fire go out,” became my dad’s mantra spoken with more and more aggravation over the years. At this saying he would go over to stoke the fire and before you knew it…heat, warmth, and comfort were back in the house.
As I was reflecting on this memory I found myself applying the words, “Don’t let the fire go out,” to my life right now. I have many dreams and pursuing them can and at times have become overwhelming, but I hear this still small voice telling me not to let the fire go out. This is when I regroup and refocus by planning, prioritizing and pursuing. There is too much I want to accomplish and so many people I want to serve that I am compelled to keep the fire burning. Keeping my eyes on the prize helps me to do that. What about you? What do you need to do to ensure that your fire doesn’t go out? Plan it, prioritize it, and then pursue it.

I was listening to a pastor give a sermon on television the other day and it was as if time stood still when he made the comment, “Your discipline determines your destiny.” My mind immediately went to a dream I had several months ago.

I was on a basketball team and all I was interested in was getting on the court with my teammates to play. Our uniforms were grey and bland. Our pre-game warm up was mediocre at best and if we did play, our game would have been even worse (I woke up before we played). We didn’t have any plays, but figured we could wing it and make things happen. Oh, yeah. We didn’t even have a coach.

Not so for the other team. Even in their pre-game warm up it was highly apparent they came with a mission and that was to win. Their coach was a strong leader and with all eyes fixed on him, they followed his every command. From the number of people on their squad and their unity as a team to their bold colored uniforms and intense pre-game practice, this team had a spirit of excellence about them. And though it drew the attention of the crowd that came to watch the game, it was intimidating to us to say the least.

This is the type of preparation we all need. When we practice our game and strive to have a spirit of excellence in all that we do, we put ourselves in the coveted position of winning even before the game is played. Our reputation will precede us. Discipline certainly does determine one’s destiny.