Wednesday, December 30, 2009

You are going to do something great

I had a little difficulty writing this post. I have never shared this with anyone but my wife, and for those of you who know me, you'll understand why.

I am not one to tout myself and toot my own horn. In fact, that is an inherent weakness of mine in the business world as I don't concern myself with telling the boss what I am up to. Rather, I focus on the tasks he gave me and completing them. I abhore the person who is constantly trying to be the center of attention, telling everyone how great they are and what they are doing. Consequently, I do not care for subordinates who do the same, and have no place for them.

This is all about a conversation I had several years ago with a widow, and her comment has haunted me ever since. She was waiting for her vehicle to be finished in the service department, as was I and we started talking about something. What it was I cannot remember, but it was a warm, deep and thought provoking conversation. I do recall her mentioning her husband had died recently, and though she missed him, knew he was in a better place. I remember her face like it was yesterday- thin, middle-aged woman, short short hair with some gray in it. She was a beautiful, elegant lady with an aire of sophistication and perhaps aristocracy.

The bottom line, she was a magnificent lady, and I remember thinking to myself what a shame, at her early age, to have experienced the loss of her beloved husband.

At any rate, something happened that day in our conversation. After a few minutes, and after the discussions became deep and more meaningful, she paused, looking me in the eyes and said "You are going to do something great someday".

I thanked her for her kindness and time, and left. But her words did not sink in until later.

"You are going to do something great someday".

What did she see in me? What did she hear that prompted her to say that to a complete stranger after only a few minutes? At first I was complimented, but it soon turned to a dull echo in my head, sometimes consuming me as I struggled for an answer.

When I was very young, my grandfather took my hands and said "Those are the hands of a ball-player".

As it turned out, that was prophetic. I was gifted in baseball, though my grandpa never had the chance to see me play. I know he would have been proud.

It was in this context that this ladies' words affected me deeply. I had heard it before and it was prophetic, albeit from a relative.

The challenge is, has been and will be to determine what is in store for me, what is God's plan for me. I have had a servant's heart all my life. In fact, when I was 12, I made up my mind I wanted to serve my country as an officer in the military as my father had done, and the only other things that attracted me were similar missions- FBI, fire department, State Police. I hunger to make a difference, and that is something I have missed since I left medical sales. The ability to positively affect people in my profession.

So now what? Am I to run for a public office? Start a charitable organization or support one? Adopt foster children? I don't know, but I pray God to reveal to me what He would have me to do.

What about you? Are you doing God's work? Or are you resisting Him living for yourself and the moment? Nothing is sweeter than being in the blessings of the Lord, knowing you are a good child and faithful servant. In this capacity, you are a powerful witness for God. I pray you are there too.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

You have not because you ask not

We were just watching Joel Osteen's message this morning about expecting a flood (#425R - Living Breakthrough Minded) . He said too many of us ask for a trickle or a stream, but few ask for a flood. Too many times we settle for what we have, what we had or what we think we deserve. We have no idea what God has in store for us, and the only way to get there is to pray and ASK for it.

During the message it struck me- I remember how when my children were younger they thought I knew everything, could do anything, could fix anything. I think they would have told you I could have built a nuclear reactor if you had asked them if I could. I remember how proud that would make me feel (even though now they don't think I know how to tie my own shoes!) and what a sense of validation that would give me. That anything they asked me to do I could (and would) do, if I could.

How much greater does God love you than you love your children or parents? How much greater are the blessings he could bestow on you? Knowing He is a jealous God, and He seeks an intimate relation with each of his children , how happy do you think He is when we challenge him to bless us mightily- more so than we dreamed? How proud do you think He is when we ask Him for help, with the faith and innocence my little boys had? Do you think for one second the Father would withhold ANY blessing from you?

Not possible. He wants more for you than you dreamed of. More than you dreamed of asking for.

We have been in this situation. We have been asking for a job to replace what we have lost. I have had many jobs, none of which approach what was taken from us, so recently I decided to start a consulting business to capitalize on my experience over the last several years and leverage it and my relationships to grow a business.

I approached a friend of mine a couple of weeks ago for some financial backing. My business plan is simple, straight forward, and with no overhead save our living expenses, I felt the amount I was asking for would be easy for him to approve and more than adequate for the business' needs.

Rather, I was disappointed when he rejected my plea, saying instead he felt I was thinking too small. He felt I should be seeking some serious start-up capital (the sum makes me queasy), and that would allow me to hit this business hard and grow fast.

The bottom line, as crazy as I think it sounds, I think he was right, and I have redone the plan showing rapid growth and allowing me to bring on several people, a couple of whom have had similar challenges, giving THEM a chance to escape the rat race. (Thank you for your vision and advice George).

I have longed to be able to make a difference in peoples' lives and by thinking big, I will be able to do so sooner, and impact more people than if I just went for what we need.

What is happening in your life, or your families' lives that requires an adjustment in your thinking, in your altitude? Do you need a different perspective? Will it require you to step outside your comfort zone and learn new skills, to push your abilities?

Good! God will not only show you the way, but He will give you the strength, courage and wisdom to make it. He will put people in your path to mentor, assist and guide you. Just ask Him, pray patiently and wait for your answers to appear supernaturally.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas


It is hard to believe, but it is Christmas morning already. 2009 literally FLEW by despite the economic challenges it presented so many people. Perhaps that was a tender mercy.

During this time of year, as the carols are played on the radio, many of the songs speak of the birth of our LORD, and rest of the coming of Jesus Christ to this world.

For me, one song in particular strikes a chord, and seldom fails to cause me to well up thinking about that day so many years ago. I am speaking of The Little Drummer Boy . The version, as we know it, was written in the 1950's and as you are probably already aware, talks to the impoverished conditions in which the King of kings is born- in utter humility.

The thing that strikes me most is the image of the new-born Christ, rosy cheeks, in all His splendor, so innocent and tender, and what his fate is to be, yet He is full of love for all mankind. I think back to the birth of my children and the sense of awe I had at the miracle of birth. Anyone with any spirituality whatsoever whom has witnessed a child's birth has to be moved in the same way. For me, especially with my daughter's birth, I sensed something else- an angelic presence in her eyes and smile. I got the distinct sensation she had just been with God and came to us. It was uncanny and almost palpable; surreal for certain.

But there is more to the story of Jesus' birth.

Today, child birth is relatively predictable. We have hospitals, nurses and doctors, clean environments, and so much information to ensure a healthy baby which begins with gestation. There t.v. shows, magazine articles, websites and even parents sharing tips and notes of what to expect.

Mary and Joseph did not have the benefit of any such advantage. Ostracized as an illegitimate pregnant woman, this woman was barely a teen-ager when she was saddled with the greatest responsibility of anyone in the history of man- to raise the savior and Son of man. Even Joseph I think had some doubts about the conception, but he accepted his role as her husband and when they departed their community with great uncertainty.

With nowhere to go, not even a room in an inn, this young, scared mother and father settled down in a cave with farm animals to give birth. Can you imagine? No idea of what to do, no support, no warm bed, no family, not even the benefit of having visited a doctor, and all with the highest degree of uncertainty: Why me? How am I going to do this? How will we provide for Him?

Questions all new parents face- the doubt and uncertainty, but most at least have communal support if not familial support.

As with any birthday celebration, I hope you will remember who we are celebrating, and not be sucked in by all the hype of commercialism during the holiday. Remember HE is the reason for the season. And don't be afraid to wish someone MERRY CHRISTMAS. It is YOUR faith and your belief. If a "friend" is offended, they weren't your friend in the first place.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.