Thursday; March 5

I am not a handy guy around the house – or anywhere else for that matter.  Once I get much past the easy-to-read instructions on how to assemble my bookcase I am lost.  Having admitted this, I am one of the first guys to be fascinated by those who have the foresight to plan things like urban infrastructure or highways.  The way these types of people can look into the future to see the needs and develop plans to meet those needs really impresses me.  I have trouble figuring out what I need to do to be successful tomorrow, there is no way for me to see that far into the unknown.
The reason I bring this up is to share a quote I saw from the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius, the other day.  Confucius observed, “If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”.  It is easy to want to rely on quick-fixes and short term goals, but if we hope to have a significant impact we need to plan for long term growth.  Sure, programs and projects can have some influence here and now, but the thing that will make the most and lasting difference is changing minds – and that comes when we teach those life-long lessons.  It is tempting to go for the pre-fab answers, but real change comes from investing in people’s life-changing development.
Let’s make it a point to teach people and cultivate new and better ways of thinking.  We may not see the results tomorrow, but there is a chance that they will be felt in generations to come.
          Think About It!

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