Archive for April, 2009
Apr 09
The Measure of a Man
As I was leaving work today, I had a lot on my mind. We just are in the middle of a reorganization and there is a lot to accomplish. I am very excited about where we are headed and what the future holds for the ministry. Making a difference in the workplace is a team effort and it is very gratifying. But is that what defines us as a person? I am in a different boat than most people because I work at an awesome church and I certainly believe that I am called there for more than just “work”.
But still, as I walked out the doors, I just thought about who I am as a person. How am I doing as a father, a husband, or a son? Do I live my life consistently in all areas? Do I put so much into one area, that I have nothing left in others? Am I out of balance? In some area’s I am sure I measure up. In some other area’s I am sure I don’t.
I think about a car that is out of alignment or has one low tire. That one item affects the whole car. The alignment issue makes the car pull in one direction, so you are always fighting the steering. If uncorrected, parts start to wear out faster and eventually cause more damage. The low tire does something very similar, it drags the whole vehicle in the direction of the problem. Our lives also get dragged in the direction of the imbalance.
When we over commit in one area, it is at the expense of another. The areas of our lives should complement each other. Work should compliment home; home should complement our relationships; relationships should complement our work. It is the art of life in the balance. But, we all go through season’s where balance is tough to achieve.
So I submit this, through the highs and the lows in our lives, our character is who we truly are. Circumstance will always change. If your countenance changes every time the wind blows, that is a reflection of your character. Every storm is an opportunity to build your character. The combination of maintaining balance in your life and your countenance is great gain.
So the measure of a man is just a gauge. It is a mark that is used for your own personal growth. Don’t compare your mark with others. It is just a way to make improvements and course corrections in your own life. So take the time to take regular measurements and make the necessary adjustments to stay on course in becoming the person God has created you to be. Build your character and seek balance in all you do.
Apr 09
It’s all about me . . .
How many times have you had conversations with someone where it was like . . . I know I just met them, but I really like them. Where you could talk forever with them. Like you are long lost friends. What is it about them that makes that experience so special?
I would say one reason is because that person is interested in you. They ask you questions and draw things out of you. They inquire about you and your family, and they are truly interested in what you have to say. Do you know what people’s favorite subject is? It is themselves. What their favorite word is? It is their own name.
So if two people get together and want to talk about, let’s say . . . themselves. Well, they both stand there with nothing to say. So the conversation drifts to safe subjects. The weather, sports, or anything that is not directed to the other person. It is indicative of the drift to self-centeredness we have become in the 21st century.
Technology has helped to accelerate this. Technology isn’t the big bad guy, but we have to be purposeful in how we use it. We have websites dedicated to ourselves such as Facebook and MySpace. We Twit about . . . you guessed it, what WE are doing. Aren’t you fascinated with the most mundane aspects of my life? “I just had a piece of toast”, “I love the color green”, “Going for walk outside”. Come on!
We should be more purposeful in what we do. Make everything we do count. I hope we start putting others ahead of ourselves on a more frequent basis. That we reach out and make difference in other people’s lives. That we encourage others, share in their joys and sorrows. A fulfilled life is one shared. A life lived for God is extending that hope that He gives into the hurting world around us.
Jesus gave us one commandment in the New Testament. To love one another as He has love us. I pray that we all find ways to extent that love into the lives of those around us.
John 13:34 (NLT)
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
Apr 09
Computer Generated Music – Old School
For you computer nerds this is pretty good. I wonder how much time was spent on getting this all to work right. Here is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen in all of it’s nerdy greatness.
Apr 09
Books, Books, and More Books – Part 1
I have been “reading” a lot a books lately. Not in the traditional sense, but through Audible. I have always wanted to read more, but never could sit down and read them through without getting distracted on a regular basis. Well listening to audio books has made a big difference on my ability to read more books. I listen to them everyday on my trip to work and back. I get about an hour in. Here is one of my favorites:
The Book Thief
(fiction)
I really enjoy history and this book really fits that mold. The setting is WWII Germany. The story is narrated by Death. Don’t be put off by this perspective, it is very interesting. A young German girl is brought up by here foster parents after a set up circumstances. She is taught to read by her loving foster dad as life is viewed through her eyes. Despite the hardships she endures, she finds pleasure in the simple things, the books she steals, the friends she makes, and the “guest” in the house. She uses her skill in reading to rise above some of the despair of the time in Germany in comforting others. A great book about Nazi Germany and the Jews. The writing style is highly flavorful with sweeping landscapes of vivd imagery.
This book is labeled for teens, but it is very much a great adult read. It may have one or two “S” words in it, otherwise it is clean. I would highly recommend this book. Check out the other reviews at the link above. I will be reading this book again. It is one of my all time favorites.
Apr 09
Taming of the Crew – Part 2
On Monday I talked about how teamwork has payed great dividends in created great performances at CB Productions. Today I want to expand on that by talking about teamwork at work. The power and gratification that great teamwork provides, surpasses even individual accomplishments that most people would find to be the apex of achievement.
I often wonder why there is not more cooperation inside of organizations. It seems people often have a very narrow view of what they do in companies and only perform inside of those parameters. One outworking of this is not recognizing that the customers we have are both internal to organizations as well as external. We typically focus on the later. This inevitably leads to individuals and departments that become self sufficient and protective of their turf. By being near sighted, we often sacrifice long term gains, for more instant results. We fight the fires today at the expense of fire prevention for tomorrow.
Maybe today, we do not have the staffing we need. Maybe today, we do not have the processes in place that should be. Maybe today, we can’t afford to buy that certain software package we need. Well how can we get to the point of getting our needs met? I would suggest that as the health of an organization increases, so will the ability to have you needs met in your particular areas.
Have you heard of the debt snowball? It is pooling all your financial resources to pay off a particular debt. Once paid off, focus on the next debt, etc. The ability to get out of debt multiplies by using this process. It is financial teamwork. If you paid on each debt equally, you will stay in debt much longer. There is power in coming together. There is power in meeting others needs and sacrificing short term gains for long term health. You give up something now for something greater down the road.
Every time we help another department succeed, we are investing in our future. By cooperating with others, we all win.
So how do we do this? Each person in an organization was hired because they possessed certain gifts and talents that is unique to that position. As leaders it is important to unleash that potential by trusting them, encouraging them, and being a resource for them. Allow them to own problems in the area they are responsible for and provide time to get together in groups to foster teamwork. Everyone is a leader in some area of their lives, so exercise it where you can.
I know the power of teamwork. I have seen it in action. It is a force that surpasses anything that individuals can do on there own. It is a beautiful thing to watch. May the power of teamwork be unleashed in your life.
What I am Reading
