Live Like You Were Made for Gold

I heard someone make the comment: “you are settling for brass when you are made for gold.” What an analogy! I began thinking of my life – when do I settle for things? It may look good and be almost like the real thing, but it is not the best.

Brass is defined in the dictionary as: “an alloy of copper and zinc.” An alloy is a mixture or a combining of two substances where something has been added to lower the purity. Although brass can be shiny and durable, it is not gold.

On the other hand, gold is an element that is corrosion-resistant and the most malleable and ductile metal. Gold is a good thermal and electrical conductor and it is used as an international monetary standard. We use phrases like “gold standard” and “they have a heart of gold” to denote great value and purity.

In the course of living your life are you corrosion resistant? What “little things” have crept into your life and eaten away at your uniqueness, attitude, values, and perspective?

Oftentimes, I find that brass can be very enticing in my life. It seems good, but not great. Better but not best. Sometimes “brass” is quick and easy, when “gold” would mean waiting and struggling. When I make gold the standard, I find that I don’t settle or accept the crumbs. For me, when I have “gold” in my life, there is a “rightness” that exists.

What about you, is gold your standard? In what ways do you settle in your life? Career? Relationships? How would your life be different if you lived everyday believing you were created for gold?