Think About It

I will be the first to tell you that I am not perfect and know very well that I make mistakes – actually, there are times I really mess things up.   So, armed with the knowledge of imperfection, why do I stress out so much?   I think that the answer is not that I err … it’s that I don’t want the error to impact my relationships.   I understand that, for the most part, a mistake is a mistake and can probably be corrected – I just don’t want to lose the relationships and the standing I have.   Sure, I care that “things” will be okay, but I am more interested in knowing that “I” am going to be okay! As I was thinking about leadership the other day, I got to thinking about how much more affirming it would be if rather than saying, “It will be okay” to someone who has made a mistake we could say, “You’re going to be okay”.   Not only can we fix the issue, we still value the position you hold with us. Are we working with people who may be struggling with a bit o...

I recently read a note written by former President Harry Truman about then President John F. Kennedy.   When Truman described Kennedy’s actions during the Berlin crisis to Dean Acheson he observed, “You must remember that our head of state is young, inexperienced and hopeful.   Let’s hope the hopeful works.”.   Truman, who had been heavily involved in World War II, and had endured a lot of stress and opposition was now forced to sit back and watch.   There was no way he could guide the new Commander In Chief … all he could do is watch, wait – and hope.   I believe history has been kind to President Kennedy, so I think the “hopeful” worked. When we look at the up-and-coming generation, I think a lot of us can relate to Harry Truman.   We have experienced life and have been in a position to shape the past into the present.   Now, as we look toward the future, about all we can do is hope.   If it makes us feel better, this struggle is faced by ea...

The other day, Jeane and I were watching a movie that we just about turned off after a few minutes.   It was filled with way too much silliness and slapstick for our liking and we were within a joke or two of moving on to something else.   We stuck it out and ended up really enjoying the show.   When we experience something like this, we typically say that they crammed ninety minutes into a two hour show.   We wished they would have trimmed the folly and just made it a shorter show.   When we think about our lives, are we filling it with value or are we cramming five decades of living into eight decades of life?   Are we making the most of the time we have been given or are we wasting too much time not accomplishing something useful?   I am not saying that everything we do and say has to be serious, but when we seek to be purposeful in how we live, we are apt to do more for the world around us and get more satisfaction from what we do.   Centu...

I like peppers.   In fact, I am particularly fond of jalapenos – especially the pickled ones.   I eat them quite a bit with a variety of dishes, not only with Mexican food.   Now, having said that, I will also be the first to admit that I am not particularly fond of “hot” stuff.   I don’t search the Scoville Scale for bragging rights on eating something hot just to eat something hot.   I like the flavor, but I can do without unnecessary pain!   Now, the reason for culinary observation is that I see a parallel in the human emotion of anger.   While there are times it may be beneficial to get a little hot under the collar, we must be careful to regulate it.   It should enhance our lives, not overwhelm it.   There is a phrase, “righteous indignation”, that tends to describe how anger can be used to enhance someone’s quality of life.   When we use anger to offset wrongs that are committed, it can make life more palatable; however, when w...

There are certain biblical passages that I have grown up with.   I may have learned them in Sunday School or was taught them in our own home, but they have been a part of my “vocabulary” for decades.   One of the ones that has deep roots in my soul is, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7).   I am sure some of my familiarity with the passage has to do with its presence in lessons on religious offerings, but as I grew up I learned its value in several aspects of life.   While we can accept this on face value, I also think it provides parallel lessons.   You see, God is not the only one pleased when we give with a generous spirit.   The people around benevolent people also appreciate their spirit.   Some because they are the recipients of the gifts, but others because generosity has a ripple effect.   People who are willing to give to offset ...

One of the challenges of maturity is viewing things through a new set of lenses.   As we are coming of age, we learn our own personal preferences and grow confident in being able to make choices based on our likes.   While it is important to feel comfortable in our own skin and self-assured with our personal choices, there comes a point in time when our desires will need to take a backseat to the needs and desires of others.   Part of leadership and development is a willingness to set aside what we want to do and assist others as they promote their own wants and needs.   Good leaders and mentors are able to step back and allow others their time to shine. While this may sound a little bit like pop psychology, it also has a biblical base.   The New Testament admonishes us, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also ...

How do we know if we have won?   We spend much of our lives pursuing a prize at the end of our lives, but have we ever thought about what awaits us as we reach the goal?   Is it having enough money to retire comfortably?   Is it living in such a way that people erect monuments to us?   Is it looking down at our adversaries and feeling like we have come out victoriously?   The other day, I was reading a portion of the writings of the wise King Solomon and came across this, “Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:9).   Here is a guy who had it all, indicating that sitting on the porch with the one true love of your life is the prize for a life lived well.   In essence, it isn’t riches that should define us, it’s relationships. For those of us who are approachi...

There are a lot of memorable names in the Bible, but Euodia and Syntyche may not be at the top of the list – however, they are forever linked throughout history.   When the Apostle Paul writes to a friend of his he notes, “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:2-3).   I have to admit that these two women have been targets throughout Christian history, but I want us to take a break for just a second and consider another aspect of this admonition.   Sure, they could have done better to get along, but notice that Paul doesn’t write them off.   They had been allies of his and had done their part to advance the Christian cause.   He wasn’t willing to let one bump in their road detour ...

As we grow closer to the upcoming elections, I think it is time for a word from the old sage, Will Rogers.   In a quote attributed to him in 1927 he notes, “Politics is the only sporting events in the world where they don’t pay off for second money; a man to run second in any other event in the world it’s an honor. But any time he runs second for President it’s not an honor; it’s a pity.”.   While a lot of what the Oklahoman observed might be characterized as tongue-in-cheek, I find this very insightful.   We live in time and place where winning the political game is the end-all.   Yet, is that what our nation’s politics really all about?   When we reflect on the way things can be, I think it is important to keep the process in mind.   Sure, winners get a seat at the table of authority, but all of us:   the winners, the losers, the voters, the moderators are a part of the process.   By exchanging opinions (even adversarial ones), by discussing w...

Jesus’ ministry had an interesting beginning.   Set against the good news of His mission was the bad news of John the Baptist’s arrest (and eventual martyrdom).   An early historian noted, “Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:14-15).   Isn’t it bad luck that John’s trials began as Jesus went public.   Now, if you go back and reread that statement, you might see a bit of irony (if not satire) in it.   You see, nothing about Jesus happened by luck.   In fact, Jesus was well aware that His mission was ordained and guided by God.   The timing was as right as the message was righteous!   It is easy to look at life and feel a perceived victimization; but what if we believed that things happen for a purpose.   I am not saying that God pr...

Earlier in my life, when I reflected on the phrase “mind games” I typically thought about what other people were doing to me.   In my mind, these games were an attempt to influence me to get what they wanted.   As I have grown older, I am beginning to realize that the largest player of games in my mind is me.   I play many more games with myself than anyone else.   What I find interesting is that the games I play with myself are often set up to defeat me.   Often, they are construed in such a way that they are all but unwinnable.   I convince myself of the worst possible outcomes.   My inner voice talks enough trash that I lose hope.   I set goals so high that there is little reasonable hope of attaining them – and that translates as a loss. As I thought about this the other day, I got to wondering why I don’t play mind games that are winnable.   I am the one who sets the ground rules, why not use the home field to my advantage?   By...

I find it hard to believe that it has been twenty-five years since 9/11.   Before it happened, we couldn’t have imagined it.   As it was happening, we couldn’t believe it.   As we cleaned up from it – and embraced a new norm – we couldn’t forget it.   For a lot of us, that Tuesday morning twenty-five years ago is unforgettable and has left indelible marks on us.   As we take time out of our lives to reflect on the date, I think there are a couple of things to keep in mind.   The first one is that there is a growing population that doesn’t remember that infamous event.   We aren’t quite a generation away from that devastating day, but a lot of the people serving in the military or as first responders hadn’t even been born by 2001.   Because of this, their view of the world is apt to be different than ours.   I don’t know that one is better than the other, but as we try to work together, we need to keep in mind that we are bound to think di...

          The Apostle Paul lived amid one of the most incredible eras in human history.   The Roman Empire influenced a lot of people across a wide area – socially, politically and religiously.   I think that is what makes this observation so powerful, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2).   The Christians in the First Century faced daily influences to become a part of their modern world – Paul reminded them that they needed to be distinct.          Often, when I read Romans 12, I think about the similarities...

I feel like I have to walk an interesting tight wire.   On one hand, I need to talk more to some people than I do.   This is especially true of my family, particularly to my wife, Jeane.   I find it easy not be as vocal as I ought to be.   Then, on the other side, there are times I need to speak less.   In some circumstances, I am tempted to talk too much – and maybe even too forcefully.   I have some pretty deeply held beliefs and can be somewhat quick on the trigger.   While I can’t speak for you, it wouldn’t surprise me if you find yourself in similar circumstances.   So, what do we do?   I think we get a glimpse of resolution in Proverbs 10:19-20, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.   The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little.”.   In other words, we need to have the wisdom to know when to speak and wh...

Twenty-five years ago, my week was beginning to get busy.   Our community was preparing for a couple of significant celebrations over the upcoming weekend and I was about to have to adjust my schedule to fit the demands.   I was about to have to go out of my way to do my job – and then all of a sudden, our world changed!   In a matter of moments on that Tuesday morning, our nation was turned upside down and even our smaller community thousands of miles away from the east coast was impacted. As I think about the events surrounding Tuesday; September 11, 2001 a lot of things come to mind; but one of the more pragmatic is that we can do all the planning we want to do, but life doesn’t always follow a script.   Just because we plan doesn’t mean that it will play out the way we expect.   I think there are a couple of lessons we can learn from this:   First, while we should make future plans, let’s not get so wrapped up in them that they overwhelm life for us...

Why do we work?   I am sure there are a lot of accurate answers to that question.   Some of us work for the money.   Others of us work because we are enthralled with the purpose of our vocation.   There are even people who work because their families expect them to follow in the family business.   Yet, let me throw out another option – as Christians, we need to be working for the Lord.   No, not that He needs our efforts or even our money; but because everything we do reflects on our relationship with Him.   The Apostle Paul noted, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (Colossians 3:23-24).   Now before we dismiss Paul’s admonition because “he doesn’t know my boss” or that “mine is just a menial job”; the context of this message focuses on slaves (in verse 22)...

For some of you, this may not mean much; but there are a lot of us who remember the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethons.   In fact, I think what I learned about raising money using emotional pleas and telephones came from those weekends.   Now, let me offer a bit of explaining.   During the 1960s and 1970s Jerry Lewis, a famous comedian from back in the day, hosted a telethon to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America.   To do this, he would bring on guests for a marathon television event.   As a kid fascinated with entertainers – and looking for one last hurrah before the beginning of the school year – I spent a lot of late nights anxiously awaiting the next singer or comic.   Knowing I could sleep in late on Labor Day seemed to make it all worthwhile. Interestingly, as I look back on these telethons, I remember the good times, but what really made them stand out was the good work.   Millions of dollars were raised to help the p...

          In yesterday’s post, we discussed the impact of the 1935 hurricane on the Florida Keys.   One of the key’s most notable residents during that time was Ernest Hemmingway.   The author had made a successful career out of describing human conditions, but the events following the devastation seemed to derail him.   The incredible loss of property and the futility in the loss of so many lives challenged him to tell the story to the outside world.          As I read some of his observations from the days following the storm, I found another quote of his from his book “The Garden of Eden”.   In the novel he notes, “Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.”.   On the surface, this might seem to be a bit odd, but as we dig deeper into the thought, it seems to become quite accurate.   Interestingly, for me, there is another author that seems to underscore this, King...

On this date in 1935 a hurricane hit the Florida Keys and killed several hundred people.   But, also on this day in 1935, a dream died with that storm.   Henry Flagler had made millions in business and industry and spent them in a variety of ways.   One of his major accomplishments was to link the Florida Keys (along with the important port in Key West) with the rest of the United States.   With a lot of work he was able to finish the Overseas Railroad in 1912.   It would only function for a couple decades before one of the harshest hurricanes on record devastated it.   In all, there were almost 500 fatalities, but the Overseas Railroad died that day too.   Since then, a highway has been constructed to get people to and from Key West but, while portions of the railroad are still visible, the dream is gone. As I think about this disaster, I am reminded of Jesus’ warning, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy...

Have you ever given much thought to why folks like their pets more than other people?   Okay, I am going to stop here for a second because I have been doing public presentations long enough to know that, periodically, you are going to tread on dangerous ground – and I’ll own it – this is going to be one of those times.   What I ask from you is that you just hear me out.   Also, I want to go on record that I am not anti-pet … in fact, I have had several very beloved family pets in my lifetime.   However, our society has tended to have gotten things a bit backward.   We love our pets and sometimes we struggle to like people.   As I considered this I have come to realize the issue isn’t “actions”, it’s “attitudes”.   It’s not that our pets are perfect – I mean, let’s face it – they do inappropriate   things in public, destroy our property and bring us gifts we don’t really want.   However, they typically show an appreciation for us and seem to...