The One Scale That Matters
“Men require a revolution in identity in which we measure success by our capacity for compassion…and virility, by the capacity to nurture, husband, and mentor.” –Sam Keene
Success has many measurements, all dependent on one’s perspective, or an observer’s (like a boss) perspective. Life-success is measured by God Himself, and I believe His scale is based on how well we love Him and others on this planet. By “enlarging our hearts” and not necessarily our wallets or productivity, we have the greatest eternal impact. We then view others as gifts in our lives, not people to use/abuse or merely interact with. It’s our job to pour value into our family and friends and the next generation, for then our efforts are truly multiplied.
Jumping Off Cliffs
“You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.” –Ray Bradbury
I read the first part of the quote and think the author must be crazy, but then I finish the quote and it makes sense. Without taking risky leaps out of my comfort zone, I can never truly experience some of life’s greatest adventures. Adventures come in the form of new friendships/relationships, new job opportunities, new speaking engagements, new hobbies or experiences, new words to learn…. It adds to a well-lived life, building strength that has the potential to be shared with others.
Smart vs. Wise
Smart men Wise men
Think abstractly Think autobiographically
Remove self from the problem Bring all experiences to bear
Think quickly, consciously Slowly simmer, allowing unconscious to play
Live in the moment and believe Recollect the past and respect the limits of human
any problem, defined, can be solved condition
Usually young Usually old
“To age gracefully, we must aspire to become wise and beautiful elders.” –Sam Keene
I love the bumper sticker at Christmas that says “Wise men still seek Him.” I’ve never thought of myself as “smart”, just resourceful. But I would like to someday be known for wisdom–something Proverbs strongly encourages us to seek after. What I gain from the above table is that wise men slow down and take it all in–they aren’t impulsive and quick to react. They are resourceful in that they think back on lessons learned and use those lessons in current situations. They are realistic. Something I want to be.
Put Your Future in Good Hands
“Don’t let someone else create your world, for when they do, they will always create it too small.” –Edwin Louis Cole
We’ve all heard that we are in charge of our own destinies. While I believe God is the ultimate Controller of my destiny, I do believe I play a role in that life-plan. Putting the plan in the hands of another human usually limits the potential of what God can do through me because most people are short-sighted and tend to play it safe, lending negative vibes to dreams and opportunities. There comes a time when a man/woman must take the bulls by the horn and go for it, running through the open doors God swings wide.
Who’s Got Your Steering Wheel?
“I’ve had a world of possibilities slip through my hands and prayers that went unanswered that I couldn’t understand. There’s a faith that can move mountains, but I never let it move me. I only trusted things that I could see. So much frustration and trying it alone. I’ve had the revelation I can’t make it on my own…I give You my all.” –All (Avalon)
Natural reaction to problems/situations/opportunities in this life: How can I handle it by myself? I don’t need anyone’s help. I’ll figure it out, and it’ll be great. But one quickly realizes that I can’t go it alone. Without the help of God, I miss out, I turn inwardly selfish and proud, I am underutilizing the greatest Force in the Universe at my disposal (so to speak), I have a limited perspective, I will run myself into the ground with failure. Other option, the countercultural one, since it doesn’t make any sense to the logical mind: Give my everything to the One Who made the owner’s manual of my life, and see what He can do with it. I guarantee my life will be piloted a whole lot better than if I keep clutching the wheel.