This world that we live in sure does give us plenty of opportunity to grow. Unfortunately, this chance to become better more often than not requires a certain degree of pain and hardship. This reality has shown up in my life time and time again... requiring the innate sense of survival I was born with to persevere. As I look back at all the experiences that have helped shape who I am today, I can only be grateful for the ability to overcome... but part of me can't help but to also reflect on where I may have come up short of making the most out of what was right in front of me.
When was I so blinded by my selfishness that I let an opportunity to make an impact fade away? When did my feelings of "Me, Me, Me" cause me to miss out on something that was destined to inspire real change in my life or the lives of others? Is it possible that I can minimize these unintentional failures and maximize my purpose on a daily basis?
Last week, I was walking into target to pick up some things before work when I came across a shopping center employee diligently picking garbage out of the bushes. Now it is one thing to pick up garbage in the parking lot, but this man was getting every last piece hidden amongst the landscaping. At that moment, I knew why the shopping center where I work was kept so clean. It was his dedication... his attention to detail... his daily devotion to doing his job to the best of his ability.
Instead of walking by this man uninterrupted, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to let him know his work was appreciated. I stopped my brisk walk, looked him in the eye and gave him the most sincere thank you I could possibly offer. After he smiled back with a few nods of his head, I continued on my way into the store delayed by only a few seconds.
Only a few seconds... that was the price that I paid to stop and offer encouragement into the life of this man. It was a very small price to pay considering the overall impact it had that day...
I would hope that it may have made his job just a little easier for the next few hours knowing that his work was appreciated, but I really don't know if it actually made a difference in his day. However, I do know that it changed my day. I would be challenged later during work by some hectic stressful moments and unruly customers... and when I was tempted to give in to the pressure, I remembered that man's face and his dedication which then provided all the inspiration I needed to continue giving my best.
We will be challenged each and every day with what life brings our way. On the other hand, we will also be given opportunities to overcome these challenges in so many different ways that we can not possibly recognize all of them. We must simply open our hearts to the possibility that the next opportunity will be right around the corner and look for ways to act on them when the moment arrives. We must be willing to trade "a few seconds" for the chance at making a lasting impact... that is what will help us avoid unintentional failures and empower us with a greater purpose.
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When the tide rushes into our world, we must rest assured that the water will recede. It will be then that we will sift through the rubble of what remains... finding remnants of what really matters and build up upon an even stronger foundation solidified by the challenges we faced... and overcame. Text Red Cross to 90999 to donate $10 or click here to read more about how you can donate to other Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Efforts.
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2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Truth
When thinking of "The Truth", what exactly comes to mind? What role does "The Truth" play in our lives?
Do you think of honesty, integrity and other essential values? How about the importance of these values in defining character? Does it bring to mind instances of enlightenment or does it make you recall heart ache when "The Truth" didn't quite agree with what you thought something should be? Does it make you recall times in the past where "The Truth" may have escaped your understanding along with the corresponding consequences?
No matter what it may be for us individually, I think we can agree that "The Truth" is something we all experience from time to time and continue to expect to discover as we become more mature with age. The overall concept should be something that makes us think about life in general... the path we are on in our journey and the resulting lessons we have been taught through experience.
Therefore as I think more about this concept, I truly believe that we do not learn the truth... we can only feel it.
"The Truth" is not something that can be read in a book or gained through research. It can not be told to us through words. We must develop it through a conscious understanding of our experiences. Only then will it give us the opportunity to embrace what is actually real... and allow us to develop wisdom.
We must take what we encounter in life and use it to arrive closer to where we are supposed to be. Our reactions to "The Truth" is what will matter... they will help us learn more about ourselves and this world that we live in... and get us where we want to be when our day comes.
Even though "The Truth" can be tough, going forward with a positive attitude will give us the best chance to flourish. Life is definitely the greatest challenge we will ever face, but with trust and faith we must continue to move forward as we feel "The Truth" and use it to become the best we can be.
Do you think of honesty, integrity and other essential values? How about the importance of these values in defining character? Does it bring to mind instances of enlightenment or does it make you recall heart ache when "The Truth" didn't quite agree with what you thought something should be? Does it make you recall times in the past where "The Truth" may have escaped your understanding along with the corresponding consequences?
No matter what it may be for us individually, I think we can agree that "The Truth" is something we all experience from time to time and continue to expect to discover as we become more mature with age. The overall concept should be something that makes us think about life in general... the path we are on in our journey and the resulting lessons we have been taught through experience.
Therefore as I think more about this concept, I truly believe that we do not learn the truth... we can only feel it.
"The Truth" is not something that can be read in a book or gained through research. It can not be told to us through words. We must develop it through a conscious understanding of our experiences. Only then will it give us the opportunity to embrace what is actually real... and allow us to develop wisdom.
We must take what we encounter in life and use it to arrive closer to where we are supposed to be. Our reactions to "The Truth" is what will matter... they will help us learn more about ourselves and this world that we live in... and get us where we want to be when our day comes.
Even though "The Truth" can be tough, going forward with a positive attitude will give us the best chance to flourish. Life is definitely the greatest challenge we will ever face, but with trust and faith we must continue to move forward as we feel "The Truth" and use it to become the best we can be.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Monkey Trap
I read a story last week that has spun around in my head causing me to contemplate what it is I am meant to be and how exactly I am destined to get there. It described an ancient Chinese remedy for catching monkeys where coconuts where hollowed out through a small hole just big enough for a little hand and then filled with rice. Once a group of hungry monkeys stumbled upon these irresistible sources of food, they would smell the rice, reach inside and grab it only to find out that their fist full of rice would not fit back out the opening. The monkeys that were unable to let go of the rice would then become the ones that were caught.
This simple trap worked only because the monkey's hunger was in control of its actions. With this very conclusion, I could only take the next step and relate it to my very own life. What exactly is my rice and what is keeping me from opening my grip to let it go?
I have spent a lot of time thinking about this and to a degree I am at a loss for an answer... but I feel that finding the answer will lead to freedom from whatever may be holding me back.
As I continue searching for my purpose in this life, this very story will remind me that my hunger cannot be the driving force behind my actions. It must come from a much higher and more meaningful force lacking the selfish tendencies that have proven to be my very own trap.
In my search, I have longed for a consistent joyful happiness fueled by an inescapable rationalization that tomorrow holds the answer. Going forward in this journey, I must live with the urgency that today is the time to find what I have always been looking for out of life. I need to live for a higher power with such dedication that my hunger no longer matters. My search for the person I am meant to be only needs to depend on who I am at this very moment. When I can live for a greater cause my search will make sense. My goals and dreams will have meaning and purpose with trust and faith delivering my true destiny.
I will trust going forward... and stand upon faith with a heart filled with love and my arms held high.
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This simple trap worked only because the monkey's hunger was in control of its actions. With this very conclusion, I could only take the next step and relate it to my very own life. What exactly is my rice and what is keeping me from opening my grip to let it go?
I have spent a lot of time thinking about this and to a degree I am at a loss for an answer... but I feel that finding the answer will lead to freedom from whatever may be holding me back.
As I continue searching for my purpose in this life, this very story will remind me that my hunger cannot be the driving force behind my actions. It must come from a much higher and more meaningful force lacking the selfish tendencies that have proven to be my very own trap.
In my search, I have longed for a consistent joyful happiness fueled by an inescapable rationalization that tomorrow holds the answer. Going forward in this journey, I must live with the urgency that today is the time to find what I have always been looking for out of life. I need to live for a higher power with such dedication that my hunger no longer matters. My search for the person I am meant to be only needs to depend on who I am at this very moment. When I can live for a greater cause my search will make sense. My goals and dreams will have meaning and purpose with trust and faith delivering my true destiny.
I will trust going forward... and stand upon faith with a heart filled with love and my arms held high.
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It's not everyday that something inspires us to look deeply into who we are... and even more why we are. When those moments happen, what is it that makes it so incredibly meaningful that it is remembered for the rest of our days? How can that something touch us in such a way that it can forever change our path and ultimately redefine who we will become?
You matter... no matter what happens... you will always matter.
Praise God.
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