Recently a friend asked me to hold them accountable for something in their life. They said I should be able to do this on my own but it has become obvious that I can’t so I need someone to help apply some pressure and hold me accountable.
His request made me think several things. First I am so thankful that our friendship is deep enough that he felt comfortable being so transperent. It encourages me to trust my friends with some of my struggles.
I realized that his struggle is not unusual. I think most if not all of us have something in our life that we struggle with. We know what we should do and maybe even want to do the right thing but we struggle. If that’s you…you are not unusual or alone.
We could all use some help. We need someone to help apply some pressure and lovingly hold us accountable. We need someone to ask us some tough questions or call us on the carpet if we’re dropping the ball.
The goal in our lives should be to grow in our likeness to Jesus. No one ever suggested that is something we do all by ourselves. We need other people in our lives who help to shape us and mold us. We need people who God uses to help sand the rough edges away.
Where do you need some pressure in your life and who are you trusting to apply that pressure?
Just some thoughts,
Jeff.
I just got back to my office from sharing some leadership/teamwork thoughts with the Mariner basketball team. (One of my favorite things I do each week.) Today I shared the old (really old) story about moving a barn in Bruno, Nebraska.
In short form — Herman Osprey wanted to move his barn about 50 yards to higher ground to avoid flooding when it rains. So his son devised a plan using steel tubing all around the barn. His son’s plan was that if 344 people each lifted 55 pounds they could move the barn. It worked. 344 people moved that barn 50 yards to higher ground.
It’s a great reminder than when everybody does their part — lifts their part enormous things can be accomplished. Do you realize that someone is counting on you to lift your 55 pounds?
Your church is counting on you to serve somewhere to do your part to help reach your community. Your employer is counting on you to lift your 55. Your spouse is counting on you. Your children are counting on you.
If you drop your 55 then someone else has to try to pick up yours and theirs. Wherever God has placed you in life, jump in and carry your 55 and see what can be accomplished together for His glory.
Just some thoughts,
Jeff.
It has been far too long since I have taken the time to sit down and share some thoughts here. I’ve thought about it. It’s been on my “To Do” list. I’ve felt guilty about it. I’ve told people I need to get back to writing in my blog. But for a variety of reasons and/or excuses I haven’t done it.
Well today I finally decided to do it. There are other things in my life, a few of them far more important than blogging, that I think about doing, put on my “To Do” list, feel guilty about, talk about but never do. It comes down to just deciding I am going to do it. Do you have things like that? What have you been putting off that you need to just do?
I hope by making myself write today, that it will start a new habit for me. The truth is that next week I will have to decide again and make myself just sit down and do it.
Whatever your “thing” is that you need to just do…I am hoping this will give you a little inspiration. Now stop reading and just go do it.
Just some thoughts,
Jeff.
