Two weekends ago I was in Hamilton, Ohio, at my church’s annual men’s retreat. The theme that was weaving in and out of the weekend was this idea of how we take our work and life. There were basically two options, the speaker said, “labor” and “opus.” Labor being just that—labor. Work for the sake of work. Tiring. Mundane. Life-sucking. Opus being this idea of a good work. A masterpiece. A joyful work. What we are passionate about. What we were made to do.

Throughout the course of the weekend, I was continually reflecting on these lyrics from the song “Circles” by Thrice:

“True progress means changing the world to the vision in our heads, but we always change the vision instead.”

Just typing them out sends chills down my spine. I haven’t read lyrics in quite some time that ring not only so universally true, but incredibly true to me. How many times and in how many places in my life did I have some great vision—some great idea or passion—that over time just kind of fell by the wayside, or that I just dumbed down to the point of punching the clock?

I know I’ve been called to great works. We all have. It’s just up to us to see them through. I know that I’d love to have my hand held and pulled along, knowing when to do this or that, knowing exactly how my passion and vision gets played out. But where’s the fun in that? And where’s the challenge?

So when it comes to the vision that you have, the idea you have (that one that deep down you know is great), the passion you have, I have one challenge:

What are you waiting for?

Let’s stop compromising the ABUNDANT LIFE promised to us just to stay comfortable.