Fame, a word we claim will bring comfort and peace to our lives.
We believe when we are recognized for our outstanding achievements and accomplishments life will magically become more fruitful.
I thought no differently coming out of high school. All throughout school I was the average kid, making good grades and having lots of friends, but I never considered myself one of the popular kids.
Honestly, I wanted attention. I craved to be recognized as one of the popular kids.
Whatever the reason, I never considered myself “popular.”
I didn’t and still normally don’t shy away from being the center of attention but I am also comfortable with sharing the spotlight.
Near the beginning of my collegiate career I was offered an internship in outdoor marketing focused on social media. This had nothing to do with my degree, but it interested me and gave me an excuse to go duck hunting.
Jumping on the opportunity, I learned how to get an audience, grow that audience quickly and effectively, and keep that audience’s attention.
Within twelve months over ten thousand accounts were following the platform on two separate social media networks.
With the help of two other interns the next year we grew the platform to over thirty thousand followers on Instagram alone.
As we passed on the platform to new interns at the end of the third and final year of my internship the platform had over forty-five thousands followers on Instagram.
I accomplished a major dream of mine in three years.
A sponsored outdoorsman by two well-known companies, my content was liked by thousands of people on a regular basis, and I had companies asking if I would represent their company.
Yet, there was an emptiness inside me.
This dream I had pursued for several years and achieved did not seem like an accomplishment.
Social media “fame” and “success” did not satisfy my soul.
I desired more and was left wanting something more meaningful.
Now, do not think I did not enjoy or appreciate the experience I had during this internship, but honestly, without the internship, I would not be writing today.
The internship was not the problem. The success was not the problem. The notoriety was not the problem.
My heart was the problem.
My soul wanted to be satisfied by a “thing” that could not fully satisfy.
Sure, it was enjoyable and fulfilling for a moment.
It was amazing to be recognized and asked to represent huge companies in relatively small ways.
At the end of the day though, I still felt unsatisfied. I desired more.
The desire was never satisfied by obtaining more followers, likes, or views, finding satisfaction. Only after I surrendered my desires to Christ was I truly satisfied.
Struggles still come and go for me.
I am nowhere near the end of the journey, but one thing is certain. When I began to focus on Christ, my soul has been satisfied like never before.