Jan 5
I am reading a book to my boys (bedtime reading) called "You don't need a title to be a leader" by Mark Sanborn. They seem to like it although they drift to sleep rather fast. In the book Mark discusses the imporatance of the daily exchanges we have with others. Here is a condensed thought that was rather provoking:
"Differences between Transactions and Relationships
Much of what we do each day as businesspeople and speakers is transactional. We focus on our interactions with others to achieve specific outcomes. In many exchanges there simply isn’t the need for relationship beyond common courtesy. But for those people we value, in business and life, we need to distinguish between the transactional and the relational.
If you value the person, don’t ever waste his or her time
Ultimately, time, the raw resource of life, is all we have. That’s why purposeful interactions prove we value the other person. In a time-compressed world, most of us can’t devote time to those who are simply “staying in touch.” I prefer “keeping in relationship” as a philosophy. That means I don’t need to engage in mindless contact to keep myself in someone’s awareness. Instead, I can devote time to meaningful exchange."
I struggle with this. I want my exchanges to have some meaning. I really would like to add to others more than I take. I'd rather have my relationship be mutual instead of a lopsided self interest. I'd rather inform rather than keeping in touch. I don't want transactions I want relationships. I think God is say the same to me.
To read the full length version of Mark's article, here's the link:
http://www.marksanborn.com/store/Leadership_Lessons_01-04-07.asp
Jan 2
To me this depicts a Happy New Year! Her biggest concern for this year is to keep from screaming when brothers pester her! I know as adults our lives are more complicated than that but this smile helps me keep life in perspective.
By the way, to keep myself accountable I am "resolving" only to try and blog a little more this year. I only blogged twice last year . . . so I am well on my way.
Nov 10
For what it's worthMy little girl calls me Cheeto! Not sure it's exact meaning but it's her way of trying to get a point across. It's kind of cute in a little girl way. I don't like it sometimes cause I know she's right.
It's interesting, the power of words. I am reading a book by Andy Stanley and he got me to think if I was adding value to others lives or not. We really can plant seeds that if believed (by the one we speak to) can change their lives.
From my heart come my words to others. What ever I am saying is some how linked to what's in my heart. Why can't I see people for the potential that is in them seeing past the moment of contention. Jesus looked at others for the potential they had not just the underachieving or dissenting behavior. My friend Brian does this well.
So if I really want to make a difference with my words, I have to examine my heart. I am understanding that the heart needs attention every day. Like my teeth, my body, bank account, house hold . . . I need to add my heart to the top of the daily list that I need to attend to each day.
When I give my heart the attention it deserves, I'll be making the difference I'm called to make and I won't feel fell so much like a Cheeto.
Sep 7
So I'm sitting in a MinistryCOM conference listening to what is the latest and coolest way for churches to communicate and I hear about blogging. Mind you, I have not been in a cave for the last five to six years and completely unaware of what blogging was or even it's purpose. It just hit me . . . I want to start. Why? Not sure. Just honoring the impression.
My first attempts at blogging were on a family trip to China to adopt our little girl, Gigi. Thought the family and friends back home would want to hear about our daily goings on in the Far East, so I wrote emails to a list of interested and chronicled our trip. Looking back, I'm glad I did.
Maybe that is why I've started. I felt like I made a contribution to my small world letting them in on what our life was like for that two weeks. Kind of a cartharsis. Maybe that is why I am moved to blog these days. Not sure what will come of it . . . we shall see. (Who the heck is we?)
