There are so many places that I draw inspiration from. So many amazing people, songs, words… and Justin & Mary Marantz never fail to disappoint. I feel like Mary and I would be awesome friends if we ever got to know each other. Okay, is that starting to sound creepy? I totally don’t mean for it to. :)

Sunday they put something onto the blog that really hit me. No, more like smacked me in the face, bodyslammed me, and clotheslined me. Oh yeah, I went there – WWF flashbacks from when my brother was little. This image is from Justin & Mary Marantz:

I think that we have gone so far towards the want-it-now mentality that if we don’t get it right away, we quit. Tom and I were just talking about how the past couple of generations have become accustomed more and more to getting things immediately, instead of saving up and waiting. That’s not to say that these generations don’t work hard – they work very hard! They just work hard because they want things NOW, instead of waiting and saving and learning that patience.

I am definitely in this group. I’m an instant gratification kinda girl. If I need something, chances are I need it NOW. If I want something, it will usually be wanted NOW. And in the past six months, my dreams have grown. I have a vision, a love, a passion, and I know where I want to be. While that focus is good, it’s also frustrating because I’m not there yet. And focusing on my dreams and focusing on all of those things makes me want them even more. When I want things – I want them… yes, NOW.

But I can’t have this now. It will take time, and patience, and working my butt off. I’m okay with that last part, but the first two? Not so good. Especially time. Because I want it NOW! And part of me is thinking that if I can’t have it now, maybe it won’t happen at all. Am I quitting? No. But sometimes I feel like it.

This quote hit me hard, and reminded me of a few things. I have felt like quitting. I have felt overwhelmed. I have felt disappointed and frustrated. But if I don’t feel these things, then what the heck am I reaching for? If it doesn’t require this work and this frustration, what will the end result be? Will my dreams really come true, if I don’t go through that? Because going through that will make me a stronger person. A better person. A more resilient person. And those qualities are required to fulfill my dreams.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

This is one of my most favorite verses, and something that I pray about often. I am so grateful that I am capable of accomplishing these things, but I need to keep going. Persevering.

One more quote and them I’m done, I promise.

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much. – Mother Theresa

I feel this one too. My heart is filled with gratitude not only for my current blessings, but for the future. For the fulfillment of my dreams. So I just have to get past these negative feelings when they pop up, and keep moving forward!

Okay just kidding, one more:

When life gets ya down do you know what ya gotta do? Just keep swimming just keep swimming swimming swimming… – Dory, from Finding Nemo

So let’s see, we’ve gone from Justin & Mary to the Bible, to Mother Theresa, to Dory from Finding Nemo. Yes, that is really how my mind works, completely random and all over the place. I made the mistake of eating a chocolate before bed awhile back and Tom thought I was insane because he got a glimpse of my crazy thoughts, going a million miles a minute! ;)

Thank you Justin & Mary, you are truly an inspiration. Even if you feel like quitting, your honesty is refreshing and appreciated.