The First Step

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". (Lao Tzu)

A simple statement but very true and profound.

Many people have dreams, plans and ideas about things they want to do or become or achieve but never do because they don't take the first step.

When I was young my father used to play music all the time on this contraption they used to call a Hi-Fi stereo record player. (I'm glad that vinyl is making a comeback). I was totally captivated by the sounds and rhythms that I heard and imagined myself making music and playing the songs I heard. But if I just dreamed about it it never would have happened.

So I took the first step and asked my parents for music lessons. I started by taking piano lessons under the stern hand and watchful eye of Sister Grace Anunziata. I was disappointed at first because I didn't learn to play the songs that I wanted to right away. I learned that the first step in learning to play was to learn scales and chords. I stuck with it though and eventually understood that the scales and chords were the building blocks and foundation to all the songs I would come to learn. Soon I was playing songs I knew and played in a few "garage bands", in my high school stage band and later as a worship leader at my church. I never would have had the pleasure and satisfaction that I have enjoyed with my music over the years if I hadn't taken the first step.

It's easy to let the everyday routine and cares keep you from pursuing the things you really want to do but we get so busy that we just never get around to it. Zig Ziglar the master motivator had these little round discs made up that were the size of coins and had the word "TUIT" stamped on them. Whenever he would encounter someone who would tell him "I'll do it when I get around to it" he would give one of them to them and say "Now you've got

'a round TUIT" so now you can do it."

Is there something that you have been meaning or wanting to do but just haven't gotten around to? If it's making sure that your family is taken care of when you're gone the first step could be contacting me. I would be happy to give you some options.

But whatever it is don't put off taking the first step. You may be surprised how far you go!