In The Dash- Why So Serious?

They say laughter is the best medicine.  Not sure who they are or best medicine for what, but I do know we tend to take ourselves to seriously.  There are times when I find myself having to remember to laugh or to have fun because I get caught up in the moment.

Truth is nobody wants to be around someone all the time if that person does not make you feel better about yourself or at the very least make the experiences enjoyable.

So I am trying to learn to laugh again and I am starting with myself.  I am trying to take life and the circumstances in life lighter so I can enjoy life again.

Pressure, stress and worrying is not he way to enjoy life so stop, enjoy life, laugh at yourself and try to find joy where it may be hidden.

 

Action Step:

◊  Laugh as much as possible. 

In The Dash- Don’t Let Go

A couple weeks ago my 2yr old grabbed me and held on and didn’t want to let go.  I felt unbelievable joy knowing how content and safe he felt.  I know there is a time where my boys will go from the hugs to the high fives, so I take every chance to steal a hug.

We get busy and we forget what is important.  What’s important is holding my wife and letting my kids see me do it.  They need to know how important their mom is to me.

I hear words but I feel a hug and for some of my family their love language is affection and touch.  They will remember the times I just stopped what I was doing to hold them because that is personal and real to them.  I don’t remember those moments with my dad growing up.

 

Action Step:

◊ Hold my family.  

In The Dash- Till Death Do We Part

Everyone dies.  In some cases we can choose how or when but in a healthy way of life God chooses for us.  I’ve always said that I never want to die by fire or water, to be completely honest I would rather die peacefully in my bed or in a quick instant.  I don’t do well with pain or suffering.

I believe everything happens for a reason whether I understand or accept it, so if I knew I had thirty days to live my prayer is that I would live with joy and passion till the very end.  My prayer is that I would live as if it were a celebration, that I would not waste my time feeling sorry for myself or spend my time questioning why.

My prayer is that through my death others may find life, and God would be honored.

 

Action Step:

◊ Embrace the end and not fear it. 

In The Dash- Life Experience

There are a lot of things that really matter in life like which way the toilet paper is put on the roll or when is the sink too full to put another dish in.  In all seriousness there are a lot of things that I have learned that really do matter and sadly most of them I’ve learned the hard way.

There are things I have learned about careers, family and church that you don’t learn in a book but you learn through real life experiences through success and through failure.  Every context is different but the core principle of each life experience is universal, to be able to share that wisdom with my kids is so important to me.  They will make their own mistakes however if they can learn from mine it will save them pain and it will give me joy.

 

Action Step:

◊ A memoir of the things I’ve learned that really matter.

Response To The Unexpected

When I spoke a couple weeks back and launched our Christmas experiences, I said this quote, “A person’s character is revealed by his or her response to the unexpected.” It’s so easy to say that but then when the unexpected happens and you have to live it, that is when it gets difficult.  I love the fact that God uses ordinary people to do the extraordinary but sometimes because of the unexpected that will happen in my life I don’t even feel “ordinary” enough for God to use me.  Ever feel that way?  Ever feel like you blew it?  Ever feel like what’s the point?

I’ve been bombarded with messages from students and adults over the last couple weeks that feel that exact way and are ready to quit.  My challenge to you is this, if you are a Christ Follower, then you are a child of the King.  It may not always feel like it but we don’t walk through life based on emotions and walk through life based on what is happening around us or to us…we walk through life with a joy knowing what was done for us.  Find comfort that your joy is found in Christ and Him alone.  Maybe as the new year approaches you need to get away from the business of life and run to Him.  For those who read this who may not be a Christ follower, there is so much that will keep you from a true relationship with Christ because you will try to fix it before you run to Him.  If only I can quit looking at that porn, or put down the bottle, or step away from this addiction of sex and drugs.  If only, if only, if only.  Just a reminder that you will never be good enough and you will never have it all fixed before you run to Him…so just do it now, He is waiting.  He loves you.  Don’t give up.  Don’t quit.  What a great way to start out the new year by giving everything to Him.

Maybe your unexpected moment before the new year gets here is to humble yourself and admit that you don’t have all the answers and don’t have it all figured out.  Maybe your unexpected moment of surrender will reveal more about your character than you thought.

Are you resolution maker?  Are you a goal setter?  What changes for you in the new year?

Chasing Happiness

So many people hate what they do and hate going to work each day.  I really don’t feel like I’m working because I love what I do.  I love those who I work with and I love those who I get to serve.  So many times people chase the almighty dollar and then spend their life chasing happiness.  I was fortunate that God saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself and allowed me to experience a joy that is hard to explain everyday.  Trust me there are days that I think what would it have been like to chase the dollar but then I remember that what I am experiencing right now is rare.  The most important thing is that you chase what your passionate about everyday and live your dream.

Nothing brings me more satisfaction in ministry than to watch someone walk in lost with questions and hurt and walk out with some answers and hope.  To watch someone grow in their journey with God is a privilege.  To be able to teach God’s word is an honor.  For me it is my passion to use my gifts of leadership, administration and teaching.  The fact that God would use someone like me to make a difference in someones life and use me to influence the Kingdom is humbling.