Looking back, I have done a number of things fairly well – designing buildings,preaching sermons,counseling couples,leading seminars and retreats,consulting, selling software and services,writing research articles. But, I would not actually call myself a “master” of anything, except perhaps, The Master of the 85%. I am better than average at a lot of things, but over…
Giving is foundational to transformational living. On my way to the golf course, I saw a sign yesterday that said, “Giving Changes the Story.” It happened so fast I did not see the sponsor. It really set me thinking about the importance of giving to each of us. In a few minutes I would see…
I know my desired self-image as a successful person is a problem. Hooking my worth to success makes failure feel like death. I get paralyzed, afraid to go forward because I am not sure I can succeed. Bolt suggested that we redefine success in terms of the process instead of results. I know this works…
I am starting to feel some anxiety as I get deeper into my vocational exploration. Some of this is brought on by taking steps that involve the risk of failure. For example, I'm putting more time and energy into the blog as a way to explore ideas, but also as a potential platform for ministry.…
Vocation is rooted in who we really are (being), how we relate to others (with) and ultimately how we contribute to the world through our actions (for). Our work, in turn, impacts view of ourselves and our ways of relating to our community. It also reveals our values as we discover what is most…
A transformational approach to vocation forces us to look at work differently. Work, job, vocation, we use all these terms interchangeably but should we? I wrote a paper a while back looking at how our education system was designed to produce factory workers, compliant, knowledgeable and loyal. However, what is needed in the changing economy…
In looking for vocation, how I am “with” others gives me insight into my calling. First, what do I mean by “withness.” When I began looking at this concept, I started with God. In Christ, He is Emmanuel, God with us. So what can the word “with” mean? Physical presence. “I am enjoying just…
Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is…
God’s act of creation provides a theological foundation for both leadership and mentoring. We’ve looked at creation as the context for: People to experience the love and grace of a giving God. People to exercise their capacities and freedom as God’s image to shape creation itself for God’s glory and their own benefit. People to…
Christian leaders need reflecting time in their busy schedules. One leader I read regularly, Michal Hyatt, uses Sunday night as a regular reflection time in his schedule and a quarterly review as well. I like to take periodic days off to think, pray, reflect and plan. Last week I got away and spent Thursday evening…
