"And the most amazing thing is..."

I'll never forget the first time I saw Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live. (or the first time I saw Tiny Tim on Rowan & Martin's Laugh In, but that's another topic.) There was something so refreshing and original about his comedy, and it was always changing. But I specifically remember the first time I saw this skit, when he is singing, "And the most amazing thing is, I get paid for doing this."

That stuck with me. It seemed like a pipe dream -- to get to actually get paid for doing what you love. I will always be grateful for the opportunities that were placed in front of me, and the people who graciously and generously mentored me on using the gifts that I have.

Years ago I discovered a quote that has become a part of me -- a compass when trying to decide if something is right for me. As I recently made the decision to start Wise Design, I realized that it could become the ultimate realization of my vocational self.

In "Let Your Life Speak," Parker J. Palmer writes about listening for the voice of vocation. I have shared this book with several people searching for "what they want to be when they grow up." In it, he says this, "Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks -- we will also find our path of authentic service in the world. True vocation joins self and service, as Frederick Buechner asserts when he defines vocation as 'the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need,'"

That is the quote.."where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need." Isn't that what we long for? For happiness to come out of what we do, and for what we do to meet some deeper need? I

guess what I'm trying to say is that I love doing what I do. I love having the opportunity to use my gifts to meet the needs of those around me. Whether it's helping someone get started with their company logo, or coming up with unique ways to raise funds for a building that will serve the community...it's my way of giving something of myself to make a small difference.

Again, from Parker Palmer, "...the heart of the paradox: each time a door closes, the rest of the world opens up. All we need to do is stop pounding on the door that just closed, turn around -- which puts the door behind us -- and welcome the largeness of life that now lies open to our souls."

And like Steve Martin, have a whole lot of fun at the same time!