DAY OFF

The conversation was great. The waitress was extra kind. The food was fantastic. I was eating Pad Thai and a California Roll at one of my favorite places for lunch. I was with Robert, a new friend of mine. We have been friends now for about 4 months. During that time I have discoverd that we share many of the same passions - people, church planting, theology, Thai food, British comedy, (which for him it makes sense because he is from London), strategic thinking, souls, driving behind the wheel not the passenger seat, working, dreaming and eating. Did I mention eating?

The conversation today was typical to most of our conversations. We talk about church life, Study Smarts, my family, his family, life in general. But then something strange happened. He asked me if I ever take a day off. It is about 11:30 PM right now and I have been thinking about that question for about 11 hours now.

What is a day off? Does it mean that I have stop doing what I don't like doing to do what I really want to do? Does it mean that I organize a day during the week to do nothing at all? Everyday for me is different because I am a husband, father, pastor and business owner. I wake up everyday with a different approach and different schedule - mainly because I really don't have a schedule. The only thing predictable in my life is the unpredictability.

This brings me to a more important question. Does taking a day off mean that I take a day off from who I AM or what I DO? Does it mean taking a day off from both? I am not really sure how to answer that question and I am not really sure it needs answered. I do know that Robert's questions provoked a couple of thoughts for me.

Thought One: I don't feel like I really work during the day because who I am is what I do so I don't need a day off.

Thought Two: If what I am is what I do, then taking a day off would mean that I stop being me.

I suppose I have never thought about a day off.

Thank you Robert for helping me realize that I can spend each day being who I am and that doesn't require a day off. I know that is not what you meant by your question, but it really caused me to be thankful of the fact that I am doing who I am. I am truly living a dream!!!

CEILINGS AND PLATFORMS

Am I a ceiling or a platform? Managing people requires that in some way I become a ceiling for those around me as to somehow control the process of the person they are to become. Inspiring people requires that I become a platform for those around me to contribute to the process of the person becoming who they are to become.

A ceiling serves as a boundary of containment. A platform serves as a launching pad for something bigger. A ceiling slows progress. A platform initiates progress. A ceiling limits potential. A platform releases potential.

Lord, help me be a platform for those around me. Help me inspire people to greatness. Help me not be so arrogant to believe that people need ceilings. Make me the best platform I can be. Thank you!