As I listened to the silence in my home early this morning, it was so beautiful. I heard nothing. Not even birds when I stood outside. The city and nature were in deep slumber.
I had a chance to listen to my own thoughts - undisturbed. My mind took me back to Sundays during my childhood. I used to go to church. I had many friends at church. The sermons were long and often scary. They made me feel like a bad person, as the words sinner and repent were mentioned so frequently.
I preferred going occasionally to the Youth Meetings on a Saturday evening. The teenagers and young adults would speak about things that affected them. I was one of the youngest. I was in my early teens and eager to learn. The evenings were not only about religion. It was fun and I also learnt new songs which weren't sung in the youth choir.
This post is not about religion however. It is about a beautiful memory from those Saturdays. I will never forget a song that I learnt. I have been thinking about it since I wrote this post called The Promise a few days ago. Often when I hear or see the words promise or possibility - I think of this song. Some things we let go of but others we continue to hold on to.
Art Zuid - June 2019
As Rumi said,
Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.
One has to figure out what is good for them - choices, people, places, thoughts, habits etc. Sometimes it is good to let go but I chose to hold on to these words.
Before I share the words of the song with you - I will tell you a story. As a teenager, my family moved frequently. I used to miss some of the friends I met and then those evenings. As I grew older, I often reflected on the words of the song and was curious about its origins. I thought it was written by one of the older Youth meeting members. I made a concerted effort and found a member who asked around for me - but no one knew who wrote the song. I wanted to thank the writer and share how the song inspired me as a teenager. It also impacted anyone I shared it with. However, no name surfaced.
Some years ago, I took a course where the focus was on realising one's potential by looking inside for the answers we need - as all lies within. The words of the song came to mind and I shared it with this adult group. I adapted the words so no one would feel left out, as not everyone's a Christian. I even sang it for them and some joined in with the singing. hmm
Finally last year I “googled” the words. Why didn’t I think of that before?! I could not believe it - the answer was there all along. I saw a YouTube video of kids singing the song. It seems to be a popular song. It was not made up by a brilliant mind from my youth meetings. Go figure.
I know you would like to finally read the words. I will share my adaptation in brackets (). As a result, they might slightly differ from what is on the internet.
I am a promise, I am a possibility,
I am a promise with a capital P,
I am a great big bundle of potentiality,
…and if I listen I will hear God’s voice (to my inner voice)
If I am trying, I will make the right choice
and I will surely be
anything God (that I) want me to be.
(The original is written by Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither)
We only sang this verse. You might even know this song and think it is cute - but so what? Well, some things leave an indelible mark. This song is one such thing. Aren’t these words powerful? Aren’t they motivating words? They certainly were for a "teenage me".
They kept my company for so long, along with other amazing quotes. These wise words reminded me to believe in my abilities and potential and sometimes against many odds.
In my recent post, I included 2 quotes which are also a part of my being. They are:
The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
and
Only your best is good enough.
Ole Kirk Christiansen
Gosh - what more would one need? These are all great words to live by. It is not always possible but they are great motivators. I think, we form beliefs from the things we hear, learn or experience. Thereafter, those beliefs form or make us who we are today. Words can make or break us in the process. Therefore, being mindful of what we put in our subconscious is always adviseable; they remain there for a long time. Sometimes we are not even aware that certain words/memories are there until they pop up in our thoughts.
These quotes and many others are so full of wisdom and certainly helped my development. They assisted me in believing in myself, hence discovering my potential and what's possible.
The photo is my own