Often we say that we are "starting
a new chapter" when we are facing a new/major change in life. This leads
me to think - what happened to the previous chapter/s? Was there any closure?
This week, I can say that I am in
the process of closing the last chapter of the first book in the life of the
Persian Balut. I consider the 1st 30 years of my life to be the collection
of stories that will build the first book of my life – “The Rising”. These are
stories of experiences gained from the time I can remember up to the present.
Experiences that will be my tools, equipment, and gear to face the new book
that is to come.
This chapter ends with a step of faith
to let go of 15/30 and face the vast world of Entrepreneurship. A world that I believe
takes more faith to face. Like a vast ocean of possibilities. The business that
I am running will be my ship. My wife is my co-captain. The experiences gained
in the 1st book will be my compass. The acquaintances & friends
are my shipmates. The skills developed will be the sails of the ship. Faith
will be the wind that blows it forward. And God is the navigator.
Closing the last chapter of the book
does not mean that I am forgetting all that is in the past, but rather it means
taking them all in and facing a brave new world. Dwelling in the past does not
bring us to the future, but rather it eats away our time. Facing the future
does not mean I know what will happen from this point onwards, but rather it
means having the guts to accept anything that comes (both good and bad) as it
is and still press forward. This simply puts closure to something that was once
started, so that I can start a new book in my life “The Climax” with both hands
free.
Finishing a book allows you to take in
everything you have just read, appreciate it for what it is, close it, and put
it in the bookshelf of “Stories written by God”. As the prophet Jeremiah said
about God “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for
welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” The old book is now
a testimony of God’s faithfulness. The new book to come is now an opportunity
to see a new work of art that is going to be made by the Master Creator.
This now the end of the last chapter of
book 1 – The Rising.
