by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
I love all the Christmas specials that come around every year during the holidays, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has always been one of my favorites. I identify with his lack of self-confidence, his heart for his friends and especially his gumption when Santa called on him to step up and guide the sleigh that night.
And it occurs to me that, as writers, there are a lot of valuable lessons in this holiday tale.
- We’re all born with a special gift.
- At some point we all feel like that special gift is a curse.
- Hiding who we really are brings out the bullies and naysayers.
- We all need time to mature into our gift.
- Trying to live up to the image of who others think we should be won’t bring anything but trouble and heartache.
- True friends will see beyond our differences and embrace the essence of who we are.
- We’re given that special gift for a reason and a purpose.
- Running away from who we are doesn’t ever solve anything.
- There will come a time when you have to decide to work within your gift, not around it.
And the best lesson of all . . .
- Being who God meant you to be will bless others as much as you.
How about you? Care to share something you’ve learned from an unlikely source? Be sure to share your thoughts below in the comments section.
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Conversation
Edie, I love this. Thank you for sharing the beauty of Rudolph. A mack truck gave me a life-altering lesson. I was in a long-term relationship with a man I thought I would marry. I discovered he was lying to me but I forgave him. He repeated the offense. I did not know what to do. I prayed for months and clung to the relationship. He lied again. I walked toward town and prayed, “Lord, you have to show me a clear sign to break it off because I don’t want to.” The ground shook, my hair whipped and I looked up. A mack truck sped by. I’d never seen a truck like it. This word was written across the side-SEVERENCE!
I got the message and ended the relationship.
Have a Merry Christmas, my friend.
I love this, Edie! Some day I plan to write a book titled How I Learned to be a Writer from Marching Band. Those lessons made a world of difference in my life.
Yes, “different” is my mantra and yes, true, meaningful, blessing-friends understand that. I’m so glad to be part of a herd of Rudolph-writers. Edie, you bless and inspire me so much.