We like to go through life like a tornado, a force to be reckoned with. It’s “our way or the highway.” We must get to the top rung of the ladder and do it quickly!
Forcing outcomes might work occasionally, but in the long run it’s a recipe for disaster.
An alternative approach is to use some gentleness and self-control. Let’s not burn bridges as we rise. No. Let’s bring others along with us, creating trusting relationships.
We are better together. It begins with gentleness…
I like controversy. Seeing the world differently from the masses creates controversial conversations. Growth comes when you view the world through a different prism.
When I go to a store or restaurant, my inclination is to make my server laugh and engage with me a bit. If they have tattoos, piercings everywhere and rainbow colored hair, even better. By connecting with them and leaning in, I’m breaking away from any stereotypes they might have about me. More often than not, my server will say to me that “I’m so different than what they thought I would be like.”
Remember this:when you see someone who looks different, they are someone’s son or daughter. They are important…
In today’s cultural language, woke means “being alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.” So I thought I might venture out onto the proverbial thin ice and discuss it.
Racism and discrimination exist, no doubt. Are they systemic and rampant? No. They are wrong, and they are taught. No one is born a racist. And people will discriminate for selfish reasons.
Every one of us should stand up against injustice. Every time. Racist behavior is a problem of the heart, as are all societal ills. Only God can change hearts. Let’s leave the heart surgery to Him while we set examples of His love and acceptance while we are here.
Get your heart right and worthwhile actions follow…
Our home is different from our house. Home is the place where memories are made, where we feel safe and secure. A house is where we live, nothing more.
Every problem our world faces is a problem of the heart. The lessons we model for our children, from conflict resolution to how we see and interact with our fellow man are taught at home.
Treat others equally well, show compassion and generosity while doing the right thing. It begins at home…
If you have kids, you know they are going to do things that will get them in trouble. It could be as simple as being disruptive in school, or doing stuff that gets them sent to a detention center. Either way, they are in trouble.
How we handle it as parents sets the tone for their character development. If we try to get them out of it, then they learn nothing; that their poor decisions have no consequences. If we allow them to go through it, then hopefully our children learn something that will benefit them later in life.
Being too easy on our kids is as detrimental as being too hard on them. Find the balance to help in their development. Our kids are our future leaders. Help them to lead well…
Modern communication conveniences such as text and email have distanced us from each other. They aren’t really conversations.
Take the time to call people, check in with them. And when someone does something nice for you, write them a thank you note. It takes time, but the time is well spent…
Be unselfish in your relationships. Consider the needs of others before your own.
Be a light in the lives of others…
Much of our world is consumed by convenience. We have convenience stores, instant messaging and docusign to make our lives easier…more convenient.
While we are cramming more and more into our already busy lives through these conveniences, we might be missing out on human interaction. True connection with others is vital to our well being. Something to consider…
Several years ago my youngest son was going down the wrong path. Many people who knew him simply said, “he’s hanging out with the wrong crowd.” I refuse to accept that as more than an excuse. After all, he had to choose the crowd.
We have control over who we allow into our lives. No one can make us associate with them.
I’m happy to report my son got his life on track and is thriving. I’m proud of him and the inner work he has done. And guess what? His crowd has improved, too!
Sometimes I hear people say they long for an earlier time when life was simpler. But was life really easier?
Technology has sped up the pace of life so we can accomplish more each day. We text rather than call. Email instead of writing letters. We don’t even have to walk over to the television to change the channel anymore!
One thing that hasn’t changed is the need for human connection. We are hardwired to have relationships. There is no technology that replaces a connection…
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