I was thinking about this on the way home last night at 10pm. It is easy to sit there and way do your best at the 'cool' stuff. Sports and such. It is fairly easy to want to do your best to win the big game or you are expecting some big recognition. But, what about those other times. Cleaning your room, doing the dishes, mowing the lawn. Shouldn't we do our best at those things to? You know what I mean those things we don't like to do. Can I show the same gusto helping my wife mop the floor or hang curtains(things I love to do) as I do when I am playing basketball or tennis on the Wii.
Anyway, something to think about. Are we doing our best in the mundane and ordinary or just at the big game? Do we practice just as hard as we play?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Do Your Best
'Do Your Best' This is the cubs scout motto. Like many of you out there, I learned this motto as a young man. Now, my son is in cub scouts and I have the privilege of being his den leader. As we sit together and go over the promise, the law and the motto I am mindful of just how good these things are. In my life and lives of my children, I have tried to stress doing your best. I am always sure to add in that it means to do the best you can not necessarily the best of everyone.
We live in a very competitive world where being the best is something we must do. I play basketball. I am not very good. I realize that I will probably never be the best unless everyone else gets the plague. So, all I can do is my best. As long as I do the best I can then I have succeeded.
All of my children have been very successful. They naturally compare themselves to each other. I try to discourage that. I want them to be themselves. OK, let's face it, I do sometimes want to say, "Why can't you be more like your sister?". But then I step back and remember. Jesus wants us to be the best people we can be. We can't all be the same. That is why He is willing to meet us where we are at. He doesn't say, "Once you are good or the best then I will come to you".
Try looking at your children through the loving eyes of Jesus and meet them where they are at. That doesn't mean you can't encourage them along. Just try and love them forward. I think you will be amazed at the results. Only time will tell how well this will work but I can tell you that it is looking good so far.
We live in a very competitive world where being the best is something we must do. I play basketball. I am not very good. I realize that I will probably never be the best unless everyone else gets the plague. So, all I can do is my best. As long as I do the best I can then I have succeeded.
All of my children have been very successful. They naturally compare themselves to each other. I try to discourage that. I want them to be themselves. OK, let's face it, I do sometimes want to say, "Why can't you be more like your sister?". But then I step back and remember. Jesus wants us to be the best people we can be. We can't all be the same. That is why He is willing to meet us where we are at. He doesn't say, "Once you are good or the best then I will come to you".
Try looking at your children through the loving eyes of Jesus and meet them where they are at. That doesn't mean you can't encourage them along. Just try and love them forward. I think you will be amazed at the results. Only time will tell how well this will work but I can tell you that it is looking good so far.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Best Day ever!
I know this sounds like a cliche or a line from some cheesy self help book. And maybe it is. However, I have started each day over the last week or so with the thought of this being the best day ever. I have been able to do quite well with my attitude over the last week.
I know for a fact that the stresses of job and family have not gone away. The stress fairy did not suddenly come to me one night like the tooth fairy and take my stress away. And before you start thinking that I am a genius. Let me tell you I got the idea from one of my daughters. I still get razzed a bit about it at work when people ask me how I am doing and I tell them that I am having the best day ever. I think some of them are starting to get it though.
So, my suggestion to everyone out there that may be feeling a bit down or overwhelmed it to give it a try. Hey, even if it doesn't work you can say you tried something different and that should count for something.
I know for a fact that the stresses of job and family have not gone away. The stress fairy did not suddenly come to me one night like the tooth fairy and take my stress away. And before you start thinking that I am a genius. Let me tell you I got the idea from one of my daughters. I still get razzed a bit about it at work when people ask me how I am doing and I tell them that I am having the best day ever. I think some of them are starting to get it though.
So, my suggestion to everyone out there that may be feeling a bit down or overwhelmed it to give it a try. Hey, even if it doesn't work you can say you tried something different and that should count for something.
Monday, September 13, 2010
On The Road Again!
Well it is that time. Daughter number 3 is learning to drive. I can hear you all right now saying to yourselves.
Thanks for the warning.
I'm sorry.
Better you than me.
And while that is one way to look at it, I look at it as a blessing. I look forward to the chance to take her out driving. When else is our busy lives do I get to spend that much one on one time with one of my kids. It is a wonderful time to both watch her grow in confidence and skill. In addition, it is also a time when I get to have those conversations that I never have time for otherwise. Mostly I just try and listen and offer my input only when asked for. So, to all of you parents out there, you have a choice. Make this a wonderful time to experience life with your child or run from it. I choose to live this time with my daughter.
Thanks for the warning.
I'm sorry.
Better you than me.
And while that is one way to look at it, I look at it as a blessing. I look forward to the chance to take her out driving. When else is our busy lives do I get to spend that much one on one time with one of my kids. It is a wonderful time to both watch her grow in confidence and skill. In addition, it is also a time when I get to have those conversations that I never have time for otherwise. Mostly I just try and listen and offer my input only when asked for. So, to all of you parents out there, you have a choice. Make this a wonderful time to experience life with your child or run from it. I choose to live this time with my daughter.
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