Not Half Hearted
"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist." - St. Francis of Assisi
This quote was posted on my good friend John Manalo’s Facebook, who was joyously received in Heaven about four years ago (same year as my mom: 2011). I hate for it to be cliche, but autumn/winter is always the time I spend reflecting on where I am, where I was, and where I want to be. More specifically, WHO I want to be and how to portray myself genuinely, fully, wholeheartedly. John’s excerpt from his eulogy pretty much sums it all up:
Johnny labeled himself as "NOT HALF HEARTED." On his website, he describes how he came up with this motto: "His passion for art, love for people, and being born with a heart condition has molded into an idea he calls NOTHALFHEARTED - never serving without giving your all and living to your fullest potential." This is exactly what he did during his life here on earth. We're sure that he is doing the same and giving his all as he worships in Heaven among angels! John is also quoted on his facebook page saying, "Christ in me is all I need." His life was full of fruit that clearly displayed that he was SOLD OUT for God. John touched many lives and inspired all those around him.
To me, I find this so admirable because it’s extremely hard to attain. Not many people have the will it takes to live with such passion and fullness. It really motivates me to evaluate my own life and how I can be that kind of influence for others, because at the end of the day, it’s what many people will remember me by.
Lately, I feel like I’ve been in a place of mediocrity; thankful, but lukewarm...and that is something I’ve been in fear of. I dread for the day that I live in mediocrity because, at least in my opinion, that sort of comfortability is a gateway to laziness, and later it eventually becomes an unwillingness to put myself in others shoes to remember what it’s like to have nothing. I am indeed blessed to have what I have and to be offered the opportunities to live a comfortable life, but I never want to forget what I went through that got me here. I never want there to be an excuse for me not to reach out to others who need it or to inspire those who lack passion.
It’s unfortunate, but I’ve realized that I know a lot of people who have much, but tend to give little...who have the means to do something great, but refuse to because they’re afraid to leave their place of comfort. With another year coming to a close, I am humbled and grateful for the many experiences I had...and with another year ahead, I only hope to challenge myself 10 times more and gain the strength and courage needed to give myself “not half hearted”, but wholeheartedly. Slowly, I hope to be molded into the courageous and bold person I’m meant to be. That is the person that I want to be remembered by.
Something I’ve always kept in heart:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” - Philippians 4:12
