Course Charting: Wrap Up

46 days ago, I started a little thought project called Course Charting where I examined the really big ideas that have shaped my life. I did this because I had a hunch that such an exercise might provide the clarity to identify the next big idea as it is forming rather than some time (perhaps years?) later. Here’s how it turned out.

I recognized that although I have many interest, I am basically a combination of four really big ideas: Mystery, Music, God, and Writing. The first three occurred early in life, and the last one came later. Upon careful examination, I discovered that all four of these ideas are intricately related. Each one came out of the previous one, not as a replacement, but as a compliment giving form and clarity to each other. Today, all four of these ideas continue to flourish and shape my thinking.

I also discovered that each idea started with a catalyst. My affinity for mystery formed as a result of where I lived and a chance viewing with an episode of The Twilight Zone. My obsession with music was ignited by a comment from a classmate by the name of Joel Barton. God found me in the midst of my anger over comments made by Bill Gothard about the music I loved. And I discovered writing via the mysterious presence of books en mass and the encouragement of a literary agent by the name of Keith Carroll.

So the big question is: Did Course Charting yield the results I was after? I think it might have…I say with extreme caution. I never expected a voice from heaven or a mysterious letter to show up with my future spelled out in certainties. But something unexpected did happen. In the last 46 days, seven completely unrelated people contacted me with basically the same general idea (catalysts?). All seven conversations had something to do with my Big Ideas, and five of them were directly related to a combination of two in particular (compatibility?). I am purposely being vague because I am by nature a cautious person. I am not saying that the veil of my future has been lifted. Nor am I going to be make any major life-changing decisions based on this little exercise. However, I do sense that my attention has been turned in a very specific direction. I am praying and watching and listening, paying careful attention to the development of what I believe could be the next Big Idea.

I’m also curious. Did any of you reflect upon the ideas that make you the person you are today? If so, what did you observe? Any revelations? Can you anticipate the next Big Idea on your horizon? Drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you.