I find that often the stage has been set for remarkable events to occur.
Take for instance . . .
The preparatory work that John the Baptist performed while waiting for the coming of Christ.
How the angel Moroni prepared Joseph Smith to receive and translate the plates.
How no-bake cookies taste better after one actually lets them cool off.
Why athletes continue to practice even when they are professional.
The printing press and translations of the Bible becoming more available to the public certainly helped inaugurate the Protestant Reformation. But what led Martin Luther to nail his 95 theses to the door? Why him, of all people? I am sure that there are many answers to this question. Certainly, Martin Luther would have had courage, a strong belief in his cause, disloyalty to the current system he lived in. He didn't sit around and wait to act on his beliefs though - he had the courage to act. To do something he believed would be of benefit.
I should note here that I am very grateful to the people and events that have prepared the way for remarkable events to occur. Their work is certainly valuable. However . . we should all get out there and do something we believe in instead of just thinking about it!
For those interested in "acting" more I would reference a book called Improv Wisdom, written by Patricia Ryan Madson. In it, she gives readers pointers on how to take the "set stage" of your life and transform it into something alive, something you interact with.
7 comments:
Have you read the said book? what would be 3 top ideas that you would be willing to share with us? What are you doing to "act out?"
I read the chapter that you linked to. This is a very positive and affirming philosophy, though not without its pitfalls (as it acknowledges; you can't go on saying yes to everything). Thanks for sharing!
I agree with your philosophy. but my comment is not about how i agree but actually how i liked the way your formed your post. I think that the way you made the list at the beginning really caught my attention right out of the gates. It baited me very well. i usually skim the first few lines and if nothing grabs me i look for more. but your style really caught hold of me. thanks for the example.
This reminds me that faith is a principle of action and power; we have to act if we have true motivations and faith. Thanks Sarah!
Shaun: I am in the process of reading the book. My idea for the "yes rule" post came to me while I read Improv Wisdom. A few other things Patricia Ryan Madson suggests is to not worry about what to do first, but to just pick something and do it. Or, when giving a presentation, to not think about what you are going to say ahead of time, but focus on what is currently happening at that moment.
Professor Burton: I agree that you can't cay yes to everything! Your values and morality must certainly be implied while making decisions.
Jake and Kristi: Thanks for the comments!
I think that the trouble for most of us is similar to what Professor Burton said, choosing when to say yes. How are we supposed to know which to do?
Sarita - I enjoy reading your thoughts. Love you!!!
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