You Do You!

My first couple of years in college I went to a conference with my family where my Dad usually was in meetings all day and the rest of the family would enjoy the surrounding area.  This year was a little different.  I decided that since I was in school studying business, that it would be a good idea for me to sit in and listen to the business meetings he was a part of.Background:  My family, has a family business in Textiles that has been around for over 100 years.  My grandfather was the president and now my uncle is with my father holding a major role in the company. So the meetings progressed and I was meeting many of the people who my father has known for a while and done business with.  They knew me as a younger child, but now looked at me as a college student looking for a future.  I will never forget a conversation I had with one of them during this time.  One man came up to me (with my father standing next to me) and said, "so you plan on taking over the family business outside of college?"  My obvious answer was to not disappoint my dad who was standing right there, so while I was contemplating my response my father beat me to it..."NO HE IS NOT!"Let's just say this was one of the last things I was expecting to hear.  So my response changed to, "I guess not."  What I didn't realize then (that I do now) is that my father didn't want me going into the family business just because I thought thats what he or anyone else wanted me to do.  He wanted me to be able to make the decision and do something that I was passionate about.  Without me noticing, He freed me up to make a decision without concern of what anyone would say, and to follow my heart to where God was calling me, not the history or pushing of my family or friends.  I can never thank him enough for that.Romans 12:2"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."God has made us unique.  Every single person has different qualities and abilities.  He has made us for a purpose and given you desires in your heart to do things that others may not care about.  You should channel those desires and pursue them.  Don't let anyone keep you from them, and don't allow the world to dictate where you go.  You are the ONLY person who has the ability to create your future.  Not your parents, not your teachers, not your boss...YOU!  And when you look back to see who is in your corner...you will see no one other than the Creator of the Universe! Don't know about you, but thats enough for me.Dare to dream, to reach, to soar...the world needs what YOU have to offer!