For longer than I care to admit my heart has desired to write as a blogger.  To be honest, I’ve played around with the idea and came close to diving in on many occasions over the last several years.  The biggest struggle and roadblock I have come to find has been me.  My personality yearns for perfection in everything I do.  When it comes to trying something new and venturing into uncharted territory, if my internal criteria isn’t satisfied, my efforts become self-sabotaging.  Many years ago when I made the decision to confront my bent toward perfectionism I heard John Maxwell share a quote (by whom I do not know) about the word excellence that has helped me approach things with a more healthy perspective.  He said:

“Excellence can be obtained if you:
…care more than others think is wise;
…risk more than others think is safe;
…dream more than others think is practical;
…expect more than others think is possible.”

As I have accepted this understanding it has allowed me to apply a more grace-filled approach to every area of my life whether personal or professional, in ministry and with my family and friends.  Of course, I have not “perfected” this approach (see what I did there?).  Rather, I have embraced the reality that with the help of God the Father, my Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit I will be learning how to do this throughout my journey.  This is where the blog has gained tangible purpose for me.  My desire is to express in my posts, through whatever topics they may glean, an authentic glimpse into this journey I am on in hopes to be a blessing to whomever may need it.

The inspiration behind Making Trails comes from one of my favorite quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

I believe this blog is just one of the trails God has called me to.  I don’t know where it may lead.  I have an idea of some of the things I will talk about in my posts.  I am a thinker.  I’m constantly thinking.  My brain doesn’t rest often.  Most of these posts will be reflective thoughts about my observations of life and ministry along the journey.  This could be observations of human nature, Biblical revelation and inspiration, or leadership principles I’ve learned.  I don’t expect to write any opinion pieces per say but I would like to entertain questions presented to me that might hint at my personal stance on the subject.  And then again, I just might just lay it all out there on the table.

I love quotes.  Some of my favorites range from the classics of C.S. Lewis and more recently the contemporary vessel of exhortation and encouragement Bob Goff.  So I will regularly post Thoughts for the Day (but not every day) that may be a quote.  And I may occasionally drop something creative as every so often I am inspired to write short stories and poetry.  But everything I post in this blog is founded on the hope of drawing people closer to God.  It could be something that challenges thinking.  Or maybe something written here will connect with someone on a level that helps them move forward and follow their own unique trails.

I’ll conclude with one more quote.  John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more or become more, you are a leader.”  May the fruit of Making Trails manifest as inspiration to dream, learn, do, and become more.

Steve Burkowske

 

Disclaimer:  Comments and questions are always encouraged, but will be subject to approval before they show up in the comment feed.  As this blog is meant as a source of encouragement and creativity, any comments deemed argumentative, excessively opinionated, or inappropriate in nature will not be approved.  Any discussion that is approved that hints at differing opinions (which is quite ok) will likely and ultimately conclude with the words “we will just have to agree to disagree.”  Any continuance of discussion beyond this will be removed and the author of the comments may be subject to banning from the blog site.