Are you stressed out? I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume that you are.
Most of us think the answer to our stress is more of something. If we had more money, more clients, more sales, more house, more influence, more friends, more vacation, more help…we would have less stress.
Every leader knows they need feedback. Every good leader wants people to help them see things they can’t see. As you move up in an organization it becomes harder to see reality because either you are too close to the operations or you are too removed to see what’s happening on the front lines.
The entire premise of the hit show Undercover Boss is based on the fact that leaders need to know if what’s on the board room wall is actually happening down the hall.
Certain words in the English language I have a hard time saying correctly. It takes a lot of focus for me to say “pin” and “pen.” I literally have to say “hen” in my mind before I verbally say “pen.”
Numerous other words sound the same to me, like ten/tin and steal/still. The worst is heal/hill/he’ll. Imagine trying to deliver a message which includes “Jesus can heal your broken heart. He’ll never let you down. No matter what hill you’re facing.” Nightmare!
I haven’t met anyone who is thrilled about our choices for this presidential election. You might be the exception, but the passion just doesn’t seem to be there for either side.
What troubles me is that we are no longer just skeptical. We’ve become distrusting, fearful, and now cynical. And the cynicism is growing.
Inevitably you will bump up against some situations that cause you to doubt. A financial blow that came out of nowhere. Your spouse tells you they want a divorce. You get laid off. A situation goes from bad to worse and you find yourself asking, “Where are you God? Are you paying attention? Why is this happening? Why won’t you answer my prayers?”
We find ourselves in this situation when we have a dream of how we think our life should turn out but the life we are living looks nothing like it. In fact, it feels like the exact opposite.
Three years ago I found myself complaining and griping about a pastor friend I have. I wasn’t complaining out loud, but man was I was having a pity party in my mind.
He was telling me about how hard things were for him in his season of ministry and how he was looking forward to his upcoming month-long sabbatical.
Have you ever considered how many family vacations you have left? If you have young kids you’re probably thinking you just want a vacation!
When your kids are toddlers vacations are difficult. They need a nap so it’s hard to go places for any length of time. Sand gets in their eyes, swim diaper, and food, which makes everyone miserable. If you can scrape up the money and energy for a vacation it’s usually spent visiting family.
I bet you have a few epic scars on your body that tell an unforgettable story. I have one on my right elbow from a fishing accident years ago. (Who knew fishing could be so dangerous?)
I was trout fishing in a light rain with my soon-to-be and now father-in-law. The wet conditions, one miscalculated step, and one rotten tree branch created the perfect scenario where I found myself falling backwards off a small cliff.
Who doesn’t love a good surprise? A movie with a twist ending. A birthday party with all of your loved ones.
A larger than expected tax refund. Selling your home in the first week for more than you were asking. Or the Grand Daddy of all surprises… “I’m pregnant!”
What if the bad thing which recently happened to you was really a good thing? What if that setback was really a set up for something better you can’t see yet?
What if the good thing that recently happened is actually the beginning of a nightmare? What if that step up is really a step back in every possible way?
