Life of Faith

Sep. 13, 2009

How do we become accomplished? Part 3

I recommend that you read Part 1 and Part 2 first.

 

How do we become accomplished?

 

First of all, the only way we can ever become truly accomplished or make a lasting difference in the world is by God's grace and His power at work in and through us. 

 

Therefore, the number one thing to do is pray, seek His will, and grow in your relationship with Him. 

 

Here is a passage from Pride and Prejudice:

 

 Mr. Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his sister's proficiency.  (Note: In piano playing.)

 

"I am very glad to hear such a good account of her," said Lady Catherine; "and pray tell her from me, that she cannot expect to excel, if she does not practise a great deal."

 

"I assure you, Madam," he replied, "that she does not need such advice. She practises constantly."

 

"So much the better.  It cannot be done too much; and when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account.  I often tell young ladies, that no excellence in music is to be acquired, without constant practice."

 

Practice, patience, persistence, perseverance...they really do matter.  They can often make up for a lack of natural talent in an area.  For instance, I wasn't born knowing how to draw.  I wasn't like those who can just pick up a pencil or paintbrush and do something amazing with it.  But I wanted to be.  In August, I became more determined to succeed in the area of drawing.  Guess what I did?  I drew.  I started an art journal and  I went from drawing only on special occasions when I "felt" like it to drawing nearly every day and sometimes several times a  day.  I drew and drew and drew.  Some of my drawings were fairly good and some were horrible.  But the point is you'll never draw well if you never draw.  A funny thing happened.  I started to love drawing more.  I "felt" like drawing more the more I drew.  Funny, huh?  But it was wonderful to look down at a sketch and think Not bad.  It was special to record my days through art.  I used to not draw for awhile and then suddenly decide to tackle a big drawing project that would take hours and leave me not wanting to draw again for days and weeks...and months.  It can be better to start slow and work your way up.  I kept to sketches before finally finishing a "bigger" project I started last year. 

 

Pick a skill you want to learn (or improve) and make a determined effort to practice deligently for a set amount of time.  It could be a week or a month.  At the end of that time,  I think that you'll find you've improved...especially if you keep pushing yourself.  In piano, for instance, it will not do much good to keep practicing songs you already know well again and again.  Once you have learned a song, you must move on to newer and harder songs.

 

Again, we must not forget character.  Pick a character trait to work on for a set amount of time as well.  I really need to do this.  Every day we should ask ourselves, "How am I doing in the area of ____?"  Improvement in character is much more important than improving your skills. 

 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men," Colossians 3:23

 

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

 

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About Me

Hi, my name is Alyssa and I am a 16 year old homeschooling girl who is saved by God's grace and wants to live a life that is pleasing to Him. I strongly desire, if it is God's will, to be a freelance writer, author, and film-maker for the glory of God and the furtherance of His kingdom. Some of my other interests include: missions (I am passionate about reaching the unreached with the Gospel), entrepreneurship, reading, drawing, music (listening to music and playing the piano), watching movies, and homemaking.

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