Roast of the day: Medium
What is wisdom? Can one equate intelligence to wisdom, or is wisdom something more? I believe wisdom is the discipline of choosing the right path every time we are confronted with a decision. Sure, intelligence can play a major role, but it is by no means synonymous with wisdom.
I once had the pleasure of hearing the well known author, Ken Blanchard, speak at a conference. He gave an amazing statistic regarding the number of decisions that each one of us make on a daily basis. Although a few of these decisions are very significant in nature, the vast majority of our daily choices could be labeled as mundane, or insignificant. If you are like me, you probably devote a great deal of energy and thoughtfulness into the major decisions that confront you on a daily basis - but what about the little choices? What about that car merging onto the interstate in front of you? Do you show courtesy and allow them to merge, or do you speed up to make sure you end up in front of them? What if we all took the time to consider every decision we make and ask the question, "Will this response make the world a better place, or a worse place?" I know this may seem like a trivial exercise in some circumstances, but I truly believe it is a discipline worth pursuing.
Through discipline and discernment, we can exercise our ability to make the right decisions - and with each right decision, grow incrementally in wisdom. One does not become wise overnight....wisdom comes in small bites...
Monday, November 17, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Gotta Work on My 'IFs"
Roast of the day: Medium
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Like many of you, I've read this particular passage countless times. A Scripture passage that is both a proverb and a promise. But today, God revealed some additional insight to me that I wish to share.
Like many of the promises found in Scripture, the passage can really be broken down into an IF-THEN statement. IF we....trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and we don't depend on our own understanding, and seek Him in all we do....THEN He will direct our paths. I think too many times I want the "then" without the effort of the "if." I find myself asking God to help guide me, or direct me in an upcoming decision without fully examining how I've been fulfilling my "if" requirements. Have I been trusting the Lord with ALL my heart? Is it possible that I've been leaning too heavily on my own knowledge and understanding? Have I truly been seeking His will in ALL I do?
Lord, help me work on my "IFs," before expecting the promises of Your "THENs."
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Like many of you, I've read this particular passage countless times. A Scripture passage that is both a proverb and a promise. But today, God revealed some additional insight to me that I wish to share.
Like many of the promises found in Scripture, the passage can really be broken down into an IF-THEN statement. IF we....trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and we don't depend on our own understanding, and seek Him in all we do....THEN He will direct our paths. I think too many times I want the "then" without the effort of the "if." I find myself asking God to help guide me, or direct me in an upcoming decision without fully examining how I've been fulfilling my "if" requirements. Have I been trusting the Lord with ALL my heart? Is it possible that I've been leaning too heavily on my own knowledge and understanding? Have I truly been seeking His will in ALL I do?
Lord, help me work on my "IFs," before expecting the promises of Your "THENs."
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
My First Axiom for Leadership
Roast of the day: Medium
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Leadership Summit which is hosted by Willow Creek in Chicago. Our church is a satellite site for this event each year, and I found the experience very inspiring. Bill Hybels was one of the keynote speakers at the event. During one of his addresses, he introduced his latest book, Axioms, which I promptly purchased.
Bill defines axioms as leadership proverbs. In his book, he outlines about 76 axioms that he has come up with over the past 3 decades that are key ideas or thoughts for effective leadership. Each of these axioms are captured in simple phrases or proverbs that can be easily remembered and repeated. The concept is quite powerful.
During his teaching at the conference, Bill outlined one leadership principle that really rang true to me for effective leaders. As I did not find an axiom in his recent book that succinctly relates this idea, I've decided to come up with my own axiom to describe this key point in effective leadership. It is as follows:
Success Shared. Blame Beared.
The basic idea behind this axiom, or leadership proverb, is that to be an effective leader one must be willing to share credit with his/her team while at the same time take personal responsibility when things don't go according to plan. My feeling and experience is that leaders mastering this skill will find themselves surrounded by a team that is 'sold out to their cause' (whatever that might be). In my opinion, this is a key factor in effective leadership.
Unfortunately, it seems that as leaders we mess this up far too often. It's so easy to want to pin the success of a specific outcome to our chest or place the blame on the team when something doesn't go right. If you find yourself in a leadership position, try to remember this little axiom. I think it will serve you well.
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Leadership Summit which is hosted by Willow Creek in Chicago. Our church is a satellite site for this event each year, and I found the experience very inspiring. Bill Hybels was one of the keynote speakers at the event. During one of his addresses, he introduced his latest book, Axioms, which I promptly purchased.
Bill defines axioms as leadership proverbs. In his book, he outlines about 76 axioms that he has come up with over the past 3 decades that are key ideas or thoughts for effective leadership. Each of these axioms are captured in simple phrases or proverbs that can be easily remembered and repeated. The concept is quite powerful.
During his teaching at the conference, Bill outlined one leadership principle that really rang true to me for effective leaders. As I did not find an axiom in his recent book that succinctly relates this idea, I've decided to come up with my own axiom to describe this key point in effective leadership. It is as follows:
Success Shared. Blame Beared.
The basic idea behind this axiom, or leadership proverb, is that to be an effective leader one must be willing to share credit with his/her team while at the same time take personal responsibility when things don't go according to plan. My feeling and experience is that leaders mastering this skill will find themselves surrounded by a team that is 'sold out to their cause' (whatever that might be). In my opinion, this is a key factor in effective leadership.
Unfortunately, it seems that as leaders we mess this up far too often. It's so easy to want to pin the success of a specific outcome to our chest or place the blame on the team when something doesn't go right. If you find yourself in a leadership position, try to remember this little axiom. I think it will serve you well.
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Anticipatory Theory
Roast: Medium
A colleague of mine and I recently returned from a business trip in Florida. Our local sales representative played host during our visit and we had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful family. While having dinner together one evening, I seized the opportunity to proliferate on my theories of time and LRPs (if you are unfamiliar with this term, please refer back to my previous posts). I was intrigued and pleased to hear some of the interesting ideas that both our sales representative and his wife had on the subject. I thought I'd share a bit from that discussion.
If you've been a faithful reader of my blog, you know that I have a few theories on why the passage of time seems to accelerate as we grow older. However, after my discussion with my friends in Florida, I must admit that there are probably quite a few other theories that deserve investigation. One of the main ideas we discussed during dinner last week revolved around child-like anticipation. Thus, I have coined this as the Anticipatory Theory of Time.
The basic logic of this theory is that time will seem to pass slower when we are anticipating something of significance to take place. Do you remember as a child when your parents announced that the family would be taking vacation to Walt Disney World during Easter break? The months leading up to that planned vacation always seemed to take forever. Why is that? Even as an adult, I have experienced this same phenomenon as we plan our annual family vacations to both Door County and the Wisconsin Dells. It seems as if the anticipation of the upcoming event acts as a catalyst for slowing down time, at least in our minds. Granted, I have only been introduced to this notion recently, so I have not taken the time to ponder the full effects of anticipation - but I am intrigued by this new theory.
Perhaps when considering your next LRP (Life Reference Point) event, you should consider planning it well in advance. By combining both the ideas of LRPs and the Anticipatory Theory, you may find that slowing the passage of time is seemingly possible - at least on a relative basis.
A colleague of mine and I recently returned from a business trip in Florida. Our local sales representative played host during our visit and we had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful family. While having dinner together one evening, I seized the opportunity to proliferate on my theories of time and LRPs (if you are unfamiliar with this term, please refer back to my previous posts). I was intrigued and pleased to hear some of the interesting ideas that both our sales representative and his wife had on the subject. I thought I'd share a bit from that discussion.
If you've been a faithful reader of my blog, you know that I have a few theories on why the passage of time seems to accelerate as we grow older. However, after my discussion with my friends in Florida, I must admit that there are probably quite a few other theories that deserve investigation. One of the main ideas we discussed during dinner last week revolved around child-like anticipation. Thus, I have coined this as the Anticipatory Theory of Time.
The basic logic of this theory is that time will seem to pass slower when we are anticipating something of significance to take place. Do you remember as a child when your parents announced that the family would be taking vacation to Walt Disney World during Easter break? The months leading up to that planned vacation always seemed to take forever. Why is that? Even as an adult, I have experienced this same phenomenon as we plan our annual family vacations to both Door County and the Wisconsin Dells. It seems as if the anticipation of the upcoming event acts as a catalyst for slowing down time, at least in our minds. Granted, I have only been introduced to this notion recently, so I have not taken the time to ponder the full effects of anticipation - but I am intrigued by this new theory.
Perhaps when considering your next LRP (Life Reference Point) event, you should consider planning it well in advance. By combining both the ideas of LRPs and the Anticipatory Theory, you may find that slowing the passage of time is seemingly possible - at least on a relative basis.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Living with A.D.D.
Roast: Light
I guess I've got to work on creating some more LRPs (see previous posts for clarification) because time is certainly moving much too quickly. I can't believe its been well over three months since I've last posted. Sure, I could blame it on schedule or bloggers block...but truth be told, I think I've just been lazy.
This year has been a difficult one for me as I have come to the realization that I have A.D.D. However, I'm not referring to the common acronym, Attention Deficit Disorder, that most of you are familiar with....no, mine is a much more serious affliction. Although admittedly a self-diagnosis, I am quite convinced that I am suffering from Age Denial Disorder.
It all started about 3 years ago, when I decided I would join the church softball team. I used to play quite often, but it had been about 16 years since I had last been on a competitive team. That year, I jumped right in...with the vigor of a twenty-something year old. The problem was (and continues to be) that my mind is telling my body to do things the way I used to do things. Diving for fly balls, showing up to the ball park to play a double-header without any stretching, trying to stretch a single into a double....and the list goes on and on. Needless to say, this past softball season is the first one in which I haven't been sidelined due to a sprained ankle or torn hamstring. And now, in retrospect, I can see that its all because of Age Denial Disorder, or A.D.D.
Turning 40 this past June has not helped matters. I stand in front of the mirror now and try to pluck the gray whiskers from my facial hair. I've even seriously considered purchasing anti-wrinkle cream....what is happening to me? Like many other fields, A.D.D. experts say that the first step in overcoming this affliction is admitting to yourself that you have a problem. I don't know that I'm ready for that step yet...but I do think that come next season...I'm joining the church golf league instead of softball.
I guess I've got to work on creating some more LRPs (see previous posts for clarification) because time is certainly moving much too quickly. I can't believe its been well over three months since I've last posted. Sure, I could blame it on schedule or bloggers block...but truth be told, I think I've just been lazy.
This year has been a difficult one for me as I have come to the realization that I have A.D.D. However, I'm not referring to the common acronym, Attention Deficit Disorder, that most of you are familiar with....no, mine is a much more serious affliction. Although admittedly a self-diagnosis, I am quite convinced that I am suffering from Age Denial Disorder.
It all started about 3 years ago, when I decided I would join the church softball team. I used to play quite often, but it had been about 16 years since I had last been on a competitive team. That year, I jumped right in...with the vigor of a twenty-something year old. The problem was (and continues to be) that my mind is telling my body to do things the way I used to do things. Diving for fly balls, showing up to the ball park to play a double-header without any stretching, trying to stretch a single into a double....and the list goes on and on. Needless to say, this past softball season is the first one in which I haven't been sidelined due to a sprained ankle or torn hamstring. And now, in retrospect, I can see that its all because of Age Denial Disorder, or A.D.D.
Turning 40 this past June has not helped matters. I stand in front of the mirror now and try to pluck the gray whiskers from my facial hair. I've even seriously considered purchasing anti-wrinkle cream....what is happening to me? Like many other fields, A.D.D. experts say that the first step in overcoming this affliction is admitting to yourself that you have a problem. I don't know that I'm ready for that step yet...but I do think that come next season...I'm joining the church golf league instead of softball.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Take time to sharpen...
Roast: Medium Dark
I believe Spring is finally upon us. If you believe the calendar, the official first day of Spring was back in March, but it sure hasn't felt like it as of recent. However, today was different. Sure, the temperature reaching into the 60s for the first time this year was one indicator, but to me, there was a far greater sign of Spring - the return of the bird songs.
I decided to take advantage of the warm weather today and do my jogging outside (versus the treadmill in our basement). As I stepped outside this morning, I was amazed at the chorus being sung. I couldn't believe how loud the bird songs seemed to be...it was as if hundreds of birds were busy announcing their return and it was wonderful.
As I took the time to listen and enjoy the moment, it occurred to me that these same birds probably sing their choruses throughout the Summer, only I don't ever remember hearing them like this come June, July and August. I think its probably because with all the added activities, commotion and other noises that come with the warmer weather, we become dull to hearing these beautiful songs. Its only after the long and quiet Winter months that our senses are sharpened such that when a day like today comes around the music is overwhelming.
This is not unlike the Christian walk, where - over time - we can become dull to many different facets to which we were once sharp. I don't want to be dull. I want to hear the birds singing their songs throughout the summer, and I want to be prepared for whatever God has instore for me. Thus, I want to make sure I take time to sharpen....
I believe Spring is finally upon us. If you believe the calendar, the official first day of Spring was back in March, but it sure hasn't felt like it as of recent. However, today was different. Sure, the temperature reaching into the 60s for the first time this year was one indicator, but to me, there was a far greater sign of Spring - the return of the bird songs.
I decided to take advantage of the warm weather today and do my jogging outside (versus the treadmill in our basement). As I stepped outside this morning, I was amazed at the chorus being sung. I couldn't believe how loud the bird songs seemed to be...it was as if hundreds of birds were busy announcing their return and it was wonderful.
As I took the time to listen and enjoy the moment, it occurred to me that these same birds probably sing their choruses throughout the Summer, only I don't ever remember hearing them like this come June, July and August. I think its probably because with all the added activities, commotion and other noises that come with the warmer weather, we become dull to hearing these beautiful songs. Its only after the long and quiet Winter months that our senses are sharpened such that when a day like today comes around the music is overwhelming.
This is not unlike the Christian walk, where - over time - we can become dull to many different facets to which we were once sharp. I don't want to be dull. I want to hear the birds singing their songs throughout the summer, and I want to be prepared for whatever God has instore for me. Thus, I want to make sure I take time to sharpen....
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Don't let the mundane pass you by...
Roast: Medium Dark
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm never going to be an everyday blogger. There, I've said it. Try as I might, I find it difficult to take the required time to scratch down my thoughts for you on a regular basis. That said, I will commit to try harder at posting a bit more often. However, you must understand that this is coming from an ENFP (for those of you that are Myers-Briggs aficionados). In other words, my intentions will be to blog more often, but my follow through may be a bit lacking.
Now, onto the mundane.
If any of you have a lengthy drive into work, you can probably relate to the idea that it can become rather mundane. Every morning, Monday through Friday, I drive virtually the same route to and from work. The commute takes roughly a half-an-hour each way. Many times, if I'm on the phone or listening to the radio, I can arrive at my destination seemingly on autopilot.
This morning was typical. I was driving my regular route, listening to the radio, busy with the thoughts of the coming day. When suddenly, I received a tap on my shoulder...."Look around you. My beautiful creation is all around you - and you are just passing it by." Obviously, this wasn't a physical tap on the shoulder - but the feeling was just as real. I turned off the radio and just began taking in all of the wondrous beauty that nature was displaying around me. The sun, the trees, things that I've driven by hundreds of times seemed new and fresh. I was amazed at how much I miss everyday on my drive into work...just because I'm busy in the mundane.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating that we not pay attention what we're doing behind the wheel and drive with our heads out the window. But there is something to that old adage that we need to "stop and smell the roses." Take some time and notice all of the amazing creation around you. Don't let the seemingly mundane pass you by...
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm never going to be an everyday blogger. There, I've said it. Try as I might, I find it difficult to take the required time to scratch down my thoughts for you on a regular basis. That said, I will commit to try harder at posting a bit more often. However, you must understand that this is coming from an ENFP (for those of you that are Myers-Briggs aficionados). In other words, my intentions will be to blog more often, but my follow through may be a bit lacking.
Now, onto the mundane.
If any of you have a lengthy drive into work, you can probably relate to the idea that it can become rather mundane. Every morning, Monday through Friday, I drive virtually the same route to and from work. The commute takes roughly a half-an-hour each way. Many times, if I'm on the phone or listening to the radio, I can arrive at my destination seemingly on autopilot.
This morning was typical. I was driving my regular route, listening to the radio, busy with the thoughts of the coming day. When suddenly, I received a tap on my shoulder...."Look around you. My beautiful creation is all around you - and you are just passing it by." Obviously, this wasn't a physical tap on the shoulder - but the feeling was just as real. I turned off the radio and just began taking in all of the wondrous beauty that nature was displaying around me. The sun, the trees, things that I've driven by hundreds of times seemed new and fresh. I was amazed at how much I miss everyday on my drive into work...just because I'm busy in the mundane.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating that we not pay attention what we're doing behind the wheel and drive with our heads out the window. But there is something to that old adage that we need to "stop and smell the roses." Take some time and notice all of the amazing creation around you. Don't let the seemingly mundane pass you by...
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