To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Stretch

Simple Thoughts Sunday: God says GO

(quote from @SamuelRodriguez via Instagram)

How many times have you had something difficult to overcome and you kept going to God in prayer? Frustrated that it seemed like nothing was happening, and doubting your own faith.

In my life I have definitely seen that there are plenty of times that I was supposed to CLIMB over it, through it, and sometimes with blood, sweat and tears involved. (Lots of tears and not a lot of blood, thank God.) Lots of conversations and heartache, and yet we must CLIMB.

It is in those experiences that I believe we grow and learn the most about ourselves and how to endure so that we can truly become who we are supposed to be to serve the VERY BEST. As you are planning your week, give some thought to anything that you have been hoping that God would take away. Perhaps your direction is to move through it.

Have the very best week! Less than a handful left in this crazy year!

Let your SOUL catch up this weekend!

(Photo Creds: Our recent Paul’s Journey adventure)

I REALLY like this idea. Boy does my SOUL NEED TO CATCH UP. How about yours?

As you get ready for the weekend, I’d like to get your thoughts rolling around what this means to you.

Does it mean you need to hit the gym?

Spend some time in nature?

Spend some time alone? As in really alone… listening to what the universe is speaking to you?

Do you need to take a hot bath and think through a problem on your heart… or perhaps think about nothing at all?

Find some time to spend with your favorite sounding board?

Put together your master list so this holiday season is full of  joy and not flying by the seat of your pants?

A one or three-day juice fast to cleanse your body?

I can assure you I need more than one of these and I’d love to hear yours. Taking care of our SOUL and spirit is perhaps the most important thing we can do to ensure we are at our best and able to truly SERVE WELL!  Think about it. 🙂

Check your complaints at the door

Have you ever stopped to listen to people around you, and even the conversations and comments that happen in your own home?

“The weather is awful. I can’t believe I have to go out this early in this cold.”

“We have nothing to eat.”

“Everyone else has their holiday stuff out already. I have no idea when I am going to do that.”

“The traffic was so bad this morning.”

“He/she is so rude.”

“I weigh 1,000 pounds right now.”

“I am so tired.”

“The line is so long.”

“Parking is disastrous.”

“I can’t believe we have to wait.”  And even: “What, they don’t have a Starbucks?”

All of this seems harmless, right? Except it’s not.

Too often I am struck by the ease by which we simply fill the world (as in the one we live in… in our cars, homes, workplace and yes, even when we are out actually doing something fun). The feeling I get from the barrage of these types of comments can be draining and honestly, I think it can make us physically sick.

I thought it was timely to point this out so we can redirect. It goes along well with the conversations we have had on joy, wonder and living positive lives so that we can serve our purpose here in the best way possible. I heard a message not too long ago where they suggested you pray for a spirit of conviction when you complain. Let me tell you, it’s dangerous… but good. You may feel like you are generally always positive, and this could surprise you. You for sure will notice the conversations around you need to be infused with something different.

Our words impact the ability for us to be AWESOME. Let’s do better!

Have a great week!

What is required: Getting to JOY

Honestly, I don’t know why the first quote on the photo caught my attention. I try to write about the things I feel the universe is telling me is relevant to me and you, the readers of this blog, right now. I hope you agree!

I am a visual thinker, and I immediately thought of this as a full-circle issue. We start with joy as a child… How could we be born any other way? We either learn to accept grace (my favorite definition is ‘undeserved forgiveness’) and give grace, or we don’t. That determines whether we can build strong relationships, because God knows it is required to do so. Life then puts us through trials, starting too young for some. We develop our character and, in the process, we strive for joy despite those challenges – and the process continues.

As I write this, I’m developing a better understanding of why the quote stood out to me.

You see, I, like most of you I’m sure, have faced some trials. Some pretty big ones, and some starting out way too young. I have often been asked where I find my joy. The answer is the faith I have in God. I think it’s worthy to note that I have been tested and I give grace and strive for joy because I truly want to add value to this world I live in. I want to use what I learned through each challenge as a tool to sharpen me as a human being. My little “carpet square” of the world wants to radiate happiness and inspiration.

We have a choice to turn our trials into joy. I hope you’ll choose that with me. The world needs us right now. My promise is that I’ll continue to encourage you to do so… It’s hard some days, I know.

Yikes, I don’t know what to say… (reach out anyway)

(Photo Creds: Canva)

Have you ever been in a position where you really didn’t know what to say? Someone is sick? Someone lost someone they love? Maybe they went through a divorce or a break up? Perhaps someone you know is going to be alone this holiday season…

These situations create awkwardness as we contemplate possible uncomfortable circumstances where we really don’t know what to say. Sometimes it’s easier to just live your life and not make the call or drop in, and instead pray that God will comfort them. I wanted to share what I’ve learned about this topic, but I also want to tell you I’m not necessarily good at it — it’s a work in progress for sure.

Here’s the deal: The answer to those prayers is likely you. We are the “feet on the street,”  the ones that God intended to use to comfort others, to lift them up, and this may just mean a simple conversation to let someone know you care and are listening. I have read some decent research and heard from friends — the answer is the same: WE NEED TO STEP INTO THE DISCOMFORT and just be there. Just being there is all you need to do. You don’t need to have the “right” thing to say, or to really say much. An encouraging word… a listening ear, a hug…

As you go into the weekend, who do you need to reach out to? I hope you’ll make that call or drop in with a small bouquet and let someone who needs it know that you care.

Coming up for air! (Launching into mindfulness)

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I’m finally coming up for AIR. (See side note below if you’re interested.)

Does anyone else ever feel that way after a period of being either gone or otherwise detained — or both — from real life?

In the business world, I worked with a colleague that often used that phrase, “Oh, he/she will come up for air once they realize (their mistake, or whatever)…” It took me a while honestly to understand what they meant, but boy do I understand it now, on soooo many levels. I find myself coming up for air in finally “getting” a new concept, in working with people and trying to understand their point of view, and of course when I’m swamped and actually am coming up for air.

When I was gone, I spent some time researching the concept of mindfulness. It seems to be a hot topic, and aside from reading various articles on the benefits of meditation and yoga, I didn’t really understand what the big deal was. Maybe it was just the world’s way to change things up a bit to get your attention again on a topic? Regardless, the end result is the same and worthy of our attention.

That would be an overall goal of improved focus and awareness.

This could be of something as simple as your breath, or as complex as seeing the intricacy in beautiful architecture. Using that last example, if you are local and haven’t really walked and admired the streets of downtown KC around the Power and Light area, please do so. I looked at this recently with new eyes, and we have some simply amazing architecture.  A dear friend was with me and she explained so much of the history that I had no idea about. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe I’m almost 50 and know so little. I think I need more than one life so I can consume all of these wonderful details life has to offer.  One more reason for those of us at earlier ages to realize the importance of becoming “mindful” to our world. All parts of it!

I’m going to spend the rest of this week, Thursday and Sunday focused on the topic and I hope it is of great benefit to you. As you set your eyes on being the best, on serving the best, loving the best — MINDFULNESS is a terrific place to start in going deeper and achieving a higher calling. I’m in for that for sure!

Side Note:  I am not one to share the details of my life because I figure everyone has enough of their own “stuff.” If you are on my Instagram, you may have saw that we went on a life trip, and journeyed through some of the places that the Apostle Paul traveled during this mission. (Paul wrote much of the new testament, credited with 13 chapters.) I was fortunate to have two of my boys along for the trip and really missed the third. At the same time we were preparing to leave we moved into a “pod” temporarily and then day we returned, into our new home. A little chaotic to say the least, but alas, daylight is coming through. If anyone is interested, I would so love to share the story of the trip. Please let me know!

Go deep: We need to build our root system

(Photo Creds: Canva)

If you’ve ever stood under a redwood tree, you know that their height is something magnificent. The extent of their root system is shockingly not deep at 6-12 feet. So, how do we account for the crazy growth, with many reaching 300 feet tall? (The tallest pine measures in at 268 by comparison.)

“Redwoods create the strength to withstand powerful winds and floods by extending their roots more than 50 feet from the trunk and living in groves where their roots can intertwine.”

Perfect! Another very cool illustration for just how important going “DEEP” in your relationships is to your ability to grow and optimize your gifts. Of course… I LOVE THIS – and so should you!

“Community” is what allows us to live a joy filled life. (“Community” also defined, as families, friendship groups, circles, tribes, colleagues… you get my drift.) To SERVE WELL, it is almost required that we are encouraged, held accountable and ultimately pushed toward our “best self.” For most of human history, this has been a normal part of life, starting out with the earliest Native American tribes and, for my generation, playing kickball in the street until well after the sun has gone down. Today, many find themselves immersed in technology and other distractions. That seems almost too obvious to state but when the shoe fits… Heck, I don’t even like to get out of my car to go in the bank. God forbid I can’t take care of business on my phone or through a machine.

I like the idea of GOING DEEP. I need to work more at this. I’d love to achieve the greatness of a REDWOOD GROVE… to lock arms together with some amazing people and establish root systems that allow us all to grow and flourish.

“Make a dent in the universe”

(Photo Creds: We Heart It…Thanks to everyone who posted amazing eclipse photos!  So much fun!)

I couldn’t let this historical moment go by and not mention the idea above. When the universe shows us how intricate and truly cool it is, I think we should pay attention.

I believe that we all have a role to play in this one world and life of ours and although we can feel pretty small when set against the vastness of the world and it’s many needs and opportunities, we can indeed make our “dent.” Steve’s quote was in regard to entrepreneurs, but I would challenge you that we are all to make our “dent.”

So, as you wrap up your week and the final days of August, the challenge is that we all consider if we are making the “dent” that we want to. If not, why not? What steps can we take to move toward that goal?

I hope that you will think both BIG and small. We need BIG thinking to address some of our current challenges and small steps will get us there!

What do you need to prioritize over your phone?

We all know that social media has taken over the “world” so to speak. The stats say 7 of 10 people are daily users. I thought that was low.

Nearly 22% of the world population has access to social media. No matter your age, Facebook and other platforms have found a way to come in and consume our days. I heard this week that the average employee is on their phone for personal reasons 500 minutes a week. I certainly hope that was incorrect. Some other insights according to social media today:

  • Teens spend up to 9 hours a day on social platforms.
  • The average person will spend approx. 2 hours (116 minutes, to be exact) on social media everyday, which translates to 5 years and 4 months over a lifetime.
  • Current time on social media beats out time spent on eating, socializing and grooming.

That gets me to the point of this blog post:

I know there are a lot of stories out today pointing to all of the social/cultural challenges resulting from social media. The desire to have a life that is “Instagram-worthy,” and to have a “highlight reel” life like others… These are important issues and something we should all be aware of. My focus today is on how we forfeit our power when we get soaked in and spend our time in social media when we know that our life would be richer if we spent as much time in prayer.

Most people I know, of all religions/beliefs, find that prayer is useful and a “go to” when they need to better understand life, or seek heeling, etc. PRAYER (some call it meditation) clearly brings us to a higher level of awareness that we need so we can find peace and direction. We just need to put our energy into this important practice.

I got to thinking: “What if we all spent 30 minutes more this week praying for the guidance we need, those in our circle that could use a hand up? And at the same time, 30 minutes less focused on thumbing through Facebook, Insta, Snapchat, etc.?”

My hypotheses is that we would find 30 minutes isn’t enough to conquer all that we need and that we would begin to take notice of the value of our minutes and the power we each truly have if only we will take our time back.

“Go up to the plate and get mad”

“One of the great oddities of baseball: success is relative. A hitter who fails 70 percent of the time at the plate is a potential member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and many World Championship teams lost more than 70 games during their title winning seasons.” – Don Yaeger (American Sports Journalist, Author and Motivational speaker)

Before I decided to write a blog post on the value of base hits, I hadn’t really done the research. My idea was to chat about the importance of “getting up to the plate.”

Although I knew that a good batting percentage was in the “300s” I didn’t really think about it as the insight above illustrates. (The actual 2015 average of the top batters was .322. That said, a 32% rate is VERY GOOD!) True, we do need to get up to the plate, but I think perhaps more importantly is framing our success.

Who ever came up with these unwritten rules about the need to win all of the time, and even to have more victories than failures? Perhaps it’s innate, or perhaps it’s driven into the culture through the grading system in childhood and via little league titles, dancing recital titles, music “chairs,” etc. All said, a 68% failure rate (I prefer “miss rate”) may be just what we need to reframe our success.

Let me be clear, I am not one of the parents who feels every kid should get a trophy or a blue ribbon. In fact, I think we do a huge disservice to our children and ourselves when we do so.  I do however believe that succeeding in life is better defined by baseball percentages than being the top of the class/team (insert your favorite blue ribbon goal).

Here’s why:

As the world accelerates (as we talked about last week), we need to be prepared to test and learn quickly. While our parents and grandparents generally worked at a company for their entire career, today’s world will almost certainly mean multiple jobs and multiple required skill sets. In order to find out where you excel, getting up to bat is important.   It really doesn’t matter your age, there is so much that life has to offer if you are willing to step up to the plate and give it a try and realize success can be measured in many ways.

“There’s only one way to become a hitter. Go up to the plate and get mad. Get mad at yourself and mad at the pitcher.” (Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox “The Greatest Hitter who Ever Lived” self-proclaimed, but one of the best for sure!)

While I don’t love Mr. Williams’ “get mad” comments, I totally can feel that vibe. We do need to instill a BIT OF PASSION behind our work and personal goals and desires. Today, I hope you’ll give some thought to where you need to GET UP TO BAT…

Try a new restaurant or a food you’ve never liked before

Explore a new city, near or far… Fort Scott anyone?

Try a new hobby… grab the ingredients for that recipe you’ve been wanting to try …

Schedule that lunch you’ve been avoiding…

Sign up for that class…

Ask that person you admire to mentor you…

Go be a MENTOR to someone in your community you know could use your inspiration…

Heck, change your whole career… (after prayer and discernment of course…)