Changing Sights, Unchanging Stance

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I love dawn & dusk. I guess it's because I love new beginnings and strong finishes in life, and dawn & dusk personify that.

What attracts me the most is the changing sky. The colors are constantly emerging into different shades and hues, which makes for a constant creation.

This morning as I was stretching after my run, I watched the sky begin to lighten. The clouds started to reflect the sun's light from below the horizon, and a beautiful picture began to unfold before me.

Here are three things that I noticed:

• There was constant change happening in real-time, right before my eyes.
• Although change was happening around me, where I stood remained constant.
• Everything was beautiful.

So here are some take-aways from this simple, yet beautiful daily experience:

• Our world is always changing around us. Just a moment ago is already "back in the day".
• We must be consistent about "where we stand". We cannot be driven by the winds of opinion and pop-culture.
• There is beauty to be found everywhere, in everyone.

Simple thoughts yes, but perhaps some strong truths. I can hardly wait for this evening's drive home at dusk!

Question: What do you see changing around you, that requires a consistent stand? Share your thoughts below in comments.

Hardwired

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I had a... conversation with a colleague yesterday. We have started a new procedure in our agency at my day job, but I am having a difficult time adjusting to the new "flow".

I don't make excuses. I don't blame others. I owned up to my lack of "cooperation". I told him I am trying hard, that I am not purposely seeking to sabotage his "world".

You see, I am a fixer, a doer, a helper. When I encounter a customer, I want to help them with their need. But in our procedure, I am to send the customer to him first.

I have not gotten that right a few times. OK, let's say several times. Alright: a lot of times.

My colleague made an astute observation. He stated: It's the way you are hardwired. "Good point," I told him, but no excuse.

Many times our greatest strength can become our greatest weakness. We may be thinkers, or doers, or feelers. Sometimes that can work against us.

So I purposed to work harder, to concentrate on the ":flow", to create reminders for myself. I even asked him to remind me at the start of each day.

You see, each of us are created to be a certain way: we are hardwired. The Creator had a plan in mind when He formed us. We need to celebrate this. But, when it conflicts with others or with a plan, we need to adjust.

We simply cannot use the excuse: Well that's just the way I am. Especially when we try to use that excuse for our character flaws (anger, temper, ignoring needs, cutting off other's speaking to get our thoughts in, etc.). What can we do?

• Celebrate the way we are hardwired.
• Don't use the way we are hardwired as an excuse for character flaws.
• Focus on building our character.
• Adjust our hardwiring to fit with others, and to the flow of our organization.
• Ask the Creator to develop other areas of our lives to complement our hardwiring (Fruits of the Spirit).

My goal and desire is to make the organization I work for be as successful as possible. Even though I am hardwired a certain way, I am seeking to adjust me for the sake of others.

Question: How have you adjusted the way you are hardwired to the benefit of your organization? Share your thoughts below in comments.

Think, Dream, Create

Writers do it, musicians do it, artists do it: Think, Dream, Create.

Most of the time it begins with a thought. The thought becomes a dream, and the dream becomes a creation.

I believe that everybody can do this. It is not limited to writers, musicians, and artists.

All of us think - although some don't too often, but rather follow the current trend and culture.

All of us dream - although some have quit because their dreams have been stifled.

All of us create - although some feel they are not very creative.

You were created to think, to dream, to create. Go ahead.

Question: Have you seen your desire to Think, Dream, and Create diminish? And if so, why? Share your thoughts below in comments.

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How To Create Your Own Reality Show

If I were to watch much (or even a little) television, I would find myself living in a reality show.

Whether it be singing with the stars, or dancing with the idols (I did that on purpose), or watching a murder trial verdict on FoxNews, someone else's life is happening before my eyes. And you know what: I'm interested.

I know of families who actually cheer during the weigh-in on The Biggest Loser. Vote someone off the island, absoutely!

Have we become so detached from our own lives and worlds that we need someone else's life and world to find our identity? Is Prince Harry's wedding really worth clearing our calendar for? Is my own reality not worth investing my life into?

Every day at the same intersection I see a homeless person with a cardboard sign asking for money. Yesterday I was invited to go to Kenya in September to minister. I also got invited by several Facebook friends to put my porch light on at 9:00.

How do I create my own Reality Show? It's probably going to cost me several dollars to buy a meal for a homeless man. Or it could cost me a few thousand dollars to get myself to Kenya.

Flipping on my porch light is much easier, but it only means that I'm a guest in someone else's reality.

Question: Why do you think reality shows (both networked and in news stories) are so popular? Share your thoughts below in comments.

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