I see a small pebble rolling down a mountain
Turning into a powerful avalanche with direction
I dwell on my dreams and envision the possibilities
I imagine thousands of people, their lives affected
From my talents and capabilities I know I have
And the assurance inside of my purpose in life
For it serves not the world for me to play small
If I have the capacity to accomplish much more
But from this great responsibility I cower away
Every button I push, every decision I make
Ripples out into the ocean of humanity
Touching first thousands as the waves begin to extend
Affecting then millions in following generations
Such a critical stewardship I don’t know if I want
I sense the wonderful powers with which I’ve been bestowed
But am mortified by the meaning of what it entails
Why couldn’t I have been given much less ability?
For with that ability comes the duty to act
My own greatness frightens me as I begin to step back
What if I’m wrong, and I can’t meet their demands?
What if I fall short and people are hurt?
What if I find they reject my offering?
What if I can’t handle such a towering chore?
And just when I am about to throw it all away
I notice the light coming from deep in their eyes
A light penetrating my soul, asking me to go forth
Pleading with me to share the talents I possess
Submitting to their requests, I march onto the field
And throw that pebble from the peak of the mountain
For my life and my talents, the capacities I’ve received
Are not mine to begin with, they belong to mankind
I discovered for myself I couldn’t move forward
But in service to others, I found the power to act
–Jason Westlake
Sun., October 29, 2006
