day 563: Year-End Examination (Redux)

Originally published December 31, 2008

Year-end Examination
At the end of the year we are usually scrambling to get everything on our to do lists out of the way and cleaned and tidied up for a fresh start in the New Year. I also notice that at the end of the year there is a mad dash to use up all of the health reserve money that has been saved up tax-free throughout the year. I always thought that it must be interesting for doctors who get this year-end set of appointments for examinations, whether people need them or not. The end of the year is when most of us do the self-examinations of ourselves. We reflect back over the past year and evaluate how we did in life, work, spiritually, financially, etc. and we then set our goals for the New Year, some being called our "New Year's Resolutions". This self-examination is good. Paul calls for us to do this continually in I Corinthians 11:28. David Wilkerson, the author of The Cross and the Switchblade and now pastor of the Times Square Church in New York City says, "Paul further urges us, 'Let a man examine himself…'. The Greek word for examine here means 'scrutinize, test.' The apostle is saying, 'Test yourself—see if you’re walking according to God’s Word.' We’re to constantly ask ourselves, 'Am I changing? Am I becoming more loving and tenderhearted? Am I treating my family and friends with godly respect? Is my conversation becoming more righteous?” These are great questions of self-examination as we head into our new year of work life. As we set our goals for the person we want to be at work and to be a person who works to their purpose, we can be assured that our constant self-examination and adjustments and corrections are the way that God wants us to live and pursue His righteousness. So, set those goals this year with confidence and great expectations that this New Year will be a year of positive change for each of us.


Reference; I Corinthians 11:28 (New Living Testament)

day 529: What Do You Love? (Redux)

Original Post: Tuesday, December 30, 2008

day 61: What Do You Love?
I sometimes amuse myself by thinking about the words we use at work that we don't really mean or words we use but would never really talk about what they mean, not at work we wouldn't that is. The greatest example of this is the word "love". We all the time will say, "I love doing...", or "I would love to take that project on", or "I'd love to get together and go over that with you", or we ask in an interview, "what do you really love to do?". But if we ever stopped to define what those loves mean or really talk about what love is and what we truly love or not, we would likely pull up short and think better about talking about this at work. Love is not a usual work topic. This is the usual time of the year when many of us take inventory of the past year and begin to set goals and objectives for the coming year. This can coincide with business planning so it seems natural to set our own professional goals and might as well set our own personal goals while we are at it. Most of us start those lists with what we want to get done throughout the year and those goals may cross the areas of physical, spiritual, relational, financial and vocation. There are always many things that we want to accomplish and achieve within the next 12 months. Not often though do we sit down and take the time to catalogue what it is that we love and how we are aligning our time, efforts, and resources against that list. Maybe this year would be a good year to think differently (thank you for that tag line Apple). If we were to start with what it is that we truly love and then build our personal and professional goals from there, then the list might be different this year and it might even be eye-opening or life-changing. We are told in I John 2:15 that we are to "stop loving the evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show you do not have the love of the Father in you". What does this mean for us as believers who are trying to bring purpose to our work and lives? What this means is that we are to take a hard look at ourselves and determine what it is that we are truly putting our love towards and if it is towards worldly ways that undermine who it is that we can ultimately be for Christ, that we need to re-prioritize and do so quickly. This is relevant in our work and the examples we are in the workplace. If we are chasing that next promotion and raise and doing so at all costs to ourselves, our families and our co-workers, it is a pretty good bet that money and power would be high up, if not on the top of, our "I love..." list. These are hard things to reconcile but God calls us to be constantly checking ourselves and making adjustments. To be the person He wants us to be at work would not to be known as the person who is blindly chasing money, power, or even the next job. The right life example would be one where others could see that there is a larger context and purpose that we chase and fix our eyes upon and how we work is influenced by that choice. As we look to a new year, now would be the best of times to take a love inventory before we set our next year's goals and objectives.

Reference: I John 2:15 (New Living Testament)

day 561: What Did You Get For Christmas?

It's the first day back to work after Christmas (unless the week was taken off as a holiday or the company shuts down for the week) and it's comparison day. This is the day when everyone wants to know what others got for Christmas not only so they will know, but also to give themselves a chance to tell others what they received. It's a fun day and what we will hear of lots of presents. I would predict that there will be plenty of pieces of technology that get mentioned this year. If the Apple store last week was any indication there were many iPads that found themselves under the Christmas tree along with other fun technology devices. And, with each of these new tech toys comes more time to fiddle with them, learn them and then make them a part of our everyday routines. With each new piece of technology we acquire we give a little more of ourselves to it and it to us. I read Kevin Kelly's new book this year, "What Technology Wants" (an excellent read). He goes deep into this phenomena and provides his own set of thoughts, cautions and ideas on how best to utilize and capitalize on the new things in our life that become a part of us and us them in short order. In general, there is nothing wrong with this and technology propels (or pulls) us forward. However, if we found ourselves consumed and obsessed (by anything) then we need to reevaluate and be sure that we have our priorities in the right place. That iPad is awesome and the next time we get on a plane we now have a movie ready to go. But, at the expense of the conversation we can have with our spouse or kids? It's just a watchout, just as Paul tells us about anything of the world that we let go too far: "Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all of its contains will pass away." It's something to think about when we start using this year's Christmas presents.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:31 (New Living Testament)

day 560: For Unto Us....

For many of us it's the last day of work before the long Christmas weekend. Either today will be full and back-to-back trying to get as much done as we can, or it will be knocking off sometime early in the afternoon to get a jump on the holiday break. It's the time that for unto us we are given much. There is nothing more precious and sacred than what we are given than to be able to worship and bring glory to our Savior. This past weekend in our church, our Pastor shared with us this from Fulton Oursler. There is not a more appropriate message to complete this day and start the time of celebration of the birth of Jesus.

"With much help and counsel I have told here the greatest story once more - the story of the greatest event in human history. For once upon a time and long ago it actually happened, according to the faith of true believers, among which the author counts himself. God, who had fashioned time and space in a clockwork of billions of suns and stars and moons, in the form of His beloved Son became a human being like ourselves. On this microscopic midge of a planet He remained for thirty-three years. He was born in a stable and lived as a workingman and died on a cross. He came to show us how to live, not only for a few years but eternally. He explained truths that would make our souls joyous and free. This is the story of Jesus - the greatest story ever told."

Merry Christmas to you!

day 559: Immanuel (Updated)

Originally Posted Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - updated for today...


As we march into the closing days of 2010, many of us are taking some time, before 2011 shows up, to look back over our shoulders and assess the year. Again, it has not been an easy year for anyone in the work world. Much has changed and we've had to change with it. If there was a couple of years that have tested so many people in the workplace, it was long before most of were working or alive. Those that remember the Great Depression are the only ones who have seen this much sweeping change and uncertainty within such a short time frame. When there is this much turmoil, we are all affected and that impact shows up in us. I reflect on the people I know who along with their job struggles have had troubles also show up at home in their families, marriages and personal lives. Work is hard enough without the extra emotional charge of not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Many of us are winding it up this week and will try and take some vacation between the holidays and with that comes the extra stress of being away and trying to keep up. This is also something to be managed for if we aren't cognizant of this extra amount of pressure it can really start the holiday break off on the wrong foot. It's kind of like the movie "Home Alone" when the family is so caught up in the rush and the stress of the moment that they forget who they have left behind. It makes a classic movie, but it doesn't make good life story. In these challenging times, we can be just like that family who left Kevin at home sleeping, except in all of the rush, stress, pressures and worry, we tend to leave instead, God behind and then when we feel too far away with no way of turning back, we scream out, "Where are you God?", when it was us, not Him, who left Him home in the first place. This is the week when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who took on another important name for all us to remember; "...and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" In these last few days before the Christmas break, don't forget that Immanuel is there with you. In His coming, he guarantees that He is with us at all times, never to be truly left behind, only diminished by us when we put ourselves ahead of Him. Can we close this week with us bringing God, Immanuel, back to work with us and make the commitment for next year to have Him with us every day!

Reference: Matthew 1:23 (New Living Testament)

day 558: Whining Is Wearisome!

It is said that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. That sometimes seems true but it is also true that the consistently squeaky wheel gets replaced. We've all known someone at work who is a whiner and no matter how good things are for them, they are not happy and they complain to any and everyone without regard to others who actually have something to complain about but don't. We make other people tired when we whine and complain. Complaints are only reinforcing problems to ourselves and to others. And, who do we know who likes to listen to someone elses complaints ad nausea? Few, if any do. For many reasons we don't want to be known or perceived as a complainer or whiner. We can do better and we can rise above our issues and challenges and not pull others down. If we want to be leaders and role models we can't be known as a whiner even though the worst may happen or we feel like someone else should get theirs and we can't do anything about it. Justice is a hard thing to understand but even when we feel justice is not being served we have to get above the fray and not let it effect our attitudes. The prophet Malachi says the same thing to those who were upset with God because they didn't feel like God was punishing the right people as they believed He should. "You have wearied the Lord with your words. 'Wearied him?' you ask, 'How have we wearied him?' You have wearied him bu suggesting that the Lord favors evildoers since he does not punish them. You have wearied him by asking. 'Where is the God of justice?" Let's not weary others or the Lord with our whining, especially this time of the year when there is much to celebrate and to give thanks! Let the complaining and the whining be done elsewhere!

Reference: Malachi 2:17 (New Living Testament)

day 557: Clarifying For Understanding

Why is it so hard to ask clarifying questions? Clarifying questions are those asked when we don't understand what is being said and we aren't going to understand any better unless we dig down another level and ask what at the time might feel like the stupid question, but is actually the one that clarifies it all for us. It doesn't hurt at all to be the one who asks the question as others likely have the same question but are afraid to ask. We can be the courageous ones and take the chance of being the fool. The other reason we need to ask is that if we don't then we run the risk of missing out on what comes next or we end up faking it, which is worse. We've all done this at some point or another. Someone will bring up something, of which we have no clue, but we play along with the hope that the conversation moves on to something else and worse we pray we aren't called upon to add more knowledge to the subject. It would be so simple to say, "I don't understand", or better yet to say, "Can I ask a clarifying question about that?" We shouldn't have any fear in asking the follow-on question so that we are fully informed and can then add into the conversation or topic words and thoughts of substance. Any time we don't do this we are wasting an opportunity for ourselves and others. Jesus told His disciples that if they didn't dig in and understand the stories He was telling now, that they wouldn't understand later; "But if you can't understand this story, how will you understand the others I am going to tell?" We have to dig in. We have to seek understanding. We have to ask the clarifying questions and keep doing so until we get it. Imagine not and missing the messages that are coming our way? Start today thinking about what you can avoid missing just by asking one more question.

Reference: Mark 4:13 (New Living Testament)

day 556: Contentment

This time of the year when we start thinking about our results and progress for the year and more importantly, we start to think about next year's goals, we can start to get tough on ourselves and even more so start to look left and right and wonder why we haven't accomplished enough or more. Especially in the workplace there is the push to beat last year's performance with more, better, faster, and bigger. It is always good to have goals to strive to achieve and good to have goals that cause us to grow and stretch to new levels. Just by doing the assessment and writing our goals down, we become one of the 5% who actually do so. It's a small percentage of people who use goal setting and goal tracking to set their course. So, it is all good when we set those goals and start to measure. Where it becomes tricky is in the comparison of others and their performance, results and rewards. We must remember that the race we run is with ourselves. It is easy to start to look left and right and begin to see how we stack up and then either let that drag us down or sometimes worse, cause us to overcompensate and overreach to try and best someone else. I find that those who start from a place of being content in their own skin, knowing their limitations but still striving to expand and grow into those boundaries are not only the happiest people but also the people who just seem to have it more together than the people who are out there trying to prove to others how they are better. A good rule of thumb is to establish a level of contentment to work from and then push off from that place. Contentment is not always bad if put in the context of still moving and growing. I am not content with my Marathon running times, but I am content with knowing that I am in better shape than most and will never win a race or even place anywhere near recognition or reward. Paul told Timothy to establish his launching off position to be at the most simple level, "So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content." From that place and perspective, Timothy grew and became more but he didn't forget that there was a set of basics to be content. As we set our goals for 2011 let us find our place of humility and contentment and then strive to grow from that place.

Reference: 1 Timothy 6:8 (New Living Testament)

day 555: Gifts That Keep Giving

We are likely invited each year to at least one work-related holiday event at someones residence and we are faced with what to bring along as the leave behind thank you gift. I always marvel at these gifts as if they get beyond a bottle of something then they steer towards something for the house and those things are usually very much focused on what the woman of the house would like to receive; candles, soaps, holiday hand towels, piece of decorative ornamental, etc. It would be very unusual to see a set of picture hangers, molly plugs or hand tools. But, I digress. :) What we see in these gifts are what we expect that others will want to receive being that we really don't know them all that well and we have to temper them with the fact that this is work based. So, we end up giving gifts that are pretty bland, vanilla and nondescript. It's an interesting process because it is just the opposite of what we might really want to do and what someone would want to receive. The best gifts are those that are personalized and very much tailored to the wants and needs of the individual. What we really want is someone to receive a gift that they don't have words to express their appreciation because they are so blown away. Many times these are the gifts that we give of ourselves to others with our time, our resources, our skills, our caring and our thoughtfulness. And, we don't have to save those gifts for special occasions or the holiday season. Those are gifts that can be given everyday at work to others. As we think of how we are to give of ourselves to others we should look to the ultimate gift ever given and try and model to Him. In 2 Corinthians 9:15 it says, "Thank God for his Son - a gift too wonderful for words." We will never be able to give a gift like what God gave us but we can try our best to give of ourselves to others so that our gits keep on giving and giving!

Reference: 2 Corinthians 9:15 (New Living Testament)

day 554: Appropriate Office Gifts (Redux)

Repost from last year at this same time...

Appropriate Office Gifts
By the end of this week people will be leaving for the Christmas week, so between now and Friday whatever gifts that are going to be exchanged in the office will likely be given. As such, the business media pulls out their annual stories about the gifts that are given in the office and what is appropriate and what is not. Some companies have their own rules around what can be given to vendors or customers and those policies have to be followed. But few talk about what is okay to pass along to other co-workers, the boss, and subordinates. I was never much of a gift giver but if I did give a gift I played it safe and I would give, for example, the same book to all my direct reports. The reason we have to play it safe is that even a gift can be misinterpreted or worse yet animosity can be created if one person gets one gift and another gets something else. So, whether we like it or not, we even have to think hard about the gifts that we give at work. Another reason, I guess why we call it work. Here is a set of appropriate gifts that you can give to anyone and a set of gifts that can be given all year long, every day, to everyone. No, they are not Harry and David fruits. They are even better. The fruits of the spirit are the gifts that are all age, people and job appropriate. We read in Galatians 5:22; "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." I cannot imagine a better set of gifts to give to others for this coming year. And how these gifts would multiply if we were able to give them daily and consistently. As we think about what it is that we can give to others, before we go to the superficial and the ones that are soon forgotten, used up, or thrown away, think about the gifts that you have as a believer and follower of Jesus and see if you can't start giving these gifts away, right away, even starting today.

Reference: Galatians 5:22 (New Living Testament)

day 553: And It Shows...Part 2

"So what do we have to show for it?", the CEO asks as she pours through the end of the year financial statements. It's not an unusual question or occurrence this time of year. When all the money that has been spent is added up and the results are being assessed we look for what we have to show for all that we have done. If we see results that can be measured or we can see the beginning of the sprouts that come from the seeds planted, then we feel good. If we see nothing, then we feel really bad and we wonder where we went wrong that caused us to waste the money, time and resources of our people. As we all know, business is not linear. If it was, then everyone would be able to do it and we wouldn't have questions about what works and what doesn't. But, it is not linear. It is many times convoluted and circuitous in getting to success. But the question remains in what we have to show for our efforts? The same can be said of us as individuals. At work we take on projects, spend time and spend money and we also have to show that we have provided more gain than loss. Somewhere, someone is figuring out productivity and considering the cost of us versus the output of what we provide. Yes, we have to have something to show for our efforts. Now, let's take it deeper and think about how we show up in our deeds and what we have to show for those? James 2:18 says, "I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds." There are many who believe that their good deeds alone will suffice and that faith is not necessary. But, we know that the foundation and the catalyst for those good deeds need to come from faith and the belief that we are representing Christ in those good deeds. It is when we "show" that we get the chance to share our faith with others and let them know where the desire to provide those good deeds comes. In this Christmas season we have many opportunities to do good deeds. Let us not miss the opportunity to let our faith also show through those deeds so that we can tell true story of Christmas to others.

Reference: James 2:18 (New Living Testament)

day 552: And It Shows....Part 1

I've always been fond of the old adage, "you can't tell what kind of person a child will be from their parents, but you can tell what kind of parents they are from the person the child turns out to be". It's the rare case, and usually a touching story about someone else who took a child under their wing, that a good kid didn't have good parents. I am always amazed at the parenting that I know must have happened when I see a kid who is beyond their years in respect, discipline and positive attitude. That stuff just doesn't just happen. It gets ingrained. The same can be said of teams in business. Teams don't just become highly aligned and productive on their own. They get that way because there is a boss who is behind the scenes setting the right goal and pace and providing strong support systems. The boss is a coach, mentor and barrier remover. The alignment of the team comes from a stitching together of people and recognizing complementary skills and needs and finding how to have people play off of each others' strengths and weaknesses. When a team or person is well coached, cared for and mentored, it shows. The same can be said about us in how closely we are allowing our work and lives to be led by our faith. James said in James 2:18, "Now someone may argue, 'Some people have faith; others have good deeds.' I say, 'I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds." James is saying that what we do shows who we are and why we do it shows through what we do. Today, are you showing what you want to show by your deeds and actions? Would others know that those actions come from a place of faith and love of our Lord? We are God's Children and for us to portray His image in the way He wants, we must be sure that our deeds and faith are consistent, every day. We must show up in the way of the Lord!

Reference: James 2:18 (New Living Testament)

day 551: First Time Leaders

One of the hardest times we ever have in our careers is the first time we become leaders of others. One day we are like everyone else and the next we are asked to lead and manage others who yesterday were our peers. Not only is this hard on the person who is stepping up but it is also hard on those who are being managed by this person as they learn through trial and error. Some companies will put people through a leadership and supervision course before they are promoted but most just allow people to sink or swim in the new responsibility. Net, it is hard on everyone when first time leaders are created and everyone should jump in and help. The manager over the newly promoted person has to work harder to mentor, advise and coach. Peers need to step forward and provide advice, counsel and encouragement. Subordinates, some who wish they should have gotten the job, need to be patient and understanding as the new leader finds their way. The new leader also must be humble and open to feedback as she/he makes their mistakes and learns. It can be a hard toll on the organization and everyone has to pull together for success to happen. We should also say a prayer for these new leaders. Great King Solomon even understood the challenges of first time leadership when he said in 1 Kings 3:9, "Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people and know the difference between right from wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?" Today, you may run into the challenges that come from a first time leader. See if today you can encourage, prop up and support this person as their success is your and your organization's success! Your word of encouragement could be just the thing that they need today.

Reference: 1 Kings 3:9 (New Living Testament)

day 550: Talent Within Us

We can get so focused on the talent that is outside of our companies that we fail to recognize the talent that is already working with and around us. Typically, those who have the job of filling open positions are so focused on the external recruiting side of the equation that it becomes unbalanced and there is not as much focus on the internal talent and how they should be developed and groomed to take jobs in the future. Anyone who feels like they were ever passed over for a promotion while they watched someone else be hired from the outside into the role has experienced this first hand. Without a doubt there are many times when new blood and new thinking is required into an organization and the only way to get that is to hire from the outside. However, there is a balance and when organizations consistently fail to recognize the talent that is within then there will be a follow on pattern of attrition that can become unhealthy. There is also an emotional impact on individuals when they are not seen or felt to have been developed and brought along. As with any of us, when we feel like our talents are unappreciated or taken for granted we can begin to believe there is something wrong with us and we can fall into our own pattern of not pushing to our full potential or performance. This is the worst outcome of all. It is human nature that we miss or ignore the talent within. Jesus said to his disciples; "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among relatives and his own family." Are there people within your organization who with a little more recognition and sponsoring could be the talent that is being overlooked? Could you be the one who provides that extra spotlight and attention for them that allows them to grow and develop and be recognized as extraordinary talent already within the company? It's a worthy question and exercise and one that will not only be of value to your organization but more importantly, to a person who's life will be touched in a positive way and for us to be the one who provides that touch can be part of what we are supposed to do.

Reference: Mark 6:4 (New Living Testament)

day 549: Bah, Humbug!

It's a most wonderful time of the year and yet I see and hear lots of people who are moaning and groaning about the stresses and pressures they have on them before the end of the year. Of course there is more to do than there is time. When is that ever any different? This is an important time of the year for all of us but we need to be sure that we add on the significance of the season into our thinking and attitude. This is the time of the year when we can let our light and love shine on others and do so in a way that can make a real impact on others. Yes, we can be lights at all times of the year, and we should be, but this is a time when the hearts and minds of others are open to encouragement, celebration, thanksgiving, love and joyfulness. Annually across the country theaters are opening their versions of Charles Dicken's Christmas Carol. We all know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge who has to be shocked and scared into seeing who he is and what he will become to get him to change his ways and become joyful, grateful and giving. We go and see this show over and over to remind ourselves of what we don't want to be and who we rather should be. As believers this also is part of our job. We are to be the examples of what to be and if we are not joyful and expectant during this holiday season then we miss a tremendous window of opportunity. This is not a season of "Bah, humbug!". This is the season of "...Immanuel, which it translated, 'God with us'. There is our reason, if for no other, to be the ones who bring joy and thankfulness to our jobs today.

Reference: Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

day 548: Following Directions

Yesterday I wrote on the importance of agreeing on a direction. Today, let's explore the importance of just following directions. The amount of time, energy and emotion that goes into discussing, debating and fighting against just taking and following simple directions is astounding. If you are a manager of others you have at some point sat and scratched your head wondering why someone who works for you just can't follow the simple directions given to them and worry about being fancy or something else different later. And if you work, you know the feeling of being told to do something you really don't want to do and you want to fight it. There are many cases where we should push back and try and take things in a different direction but there are just as many times when we should just follow the directions given to us and do the job well. To build confidence from our bosses it is important that they not see us as always wanting to go cross-stream. They need to know that we can follow their current and go with them and then get the job done well and beyond their expectations. If we are constantly fighting them and pushing against their directions then it becomes much harder to exceed those expectations and when the time comes for something critical to be accomplished in a short time frame, the task won't be given to someone who has to be convinced and talked to about why they should do the job. The assignment will go to the one who the manager knows will pick up the ball and run with it to their full ability. If we doubt that following directions can be a good thing see what Jesus prayed in John 17:4, "I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do." If Jesus could humble himself to follow directions and do what He was told to do, then certainly with the work we have in front of us, we can do the same.

Reference: John 17:4 (New Living Testament)

day 547: Agreeing On Direction

Not a day goes by that at work there isn't some discussion about the "direction we should be taking". This conversation can be at the highest level about the long term strategy of the company or it can be about what we should do with a customer, a website feature, or even what direction we should take with people and the organization structure. Actually, the latter two points are the ones that get talked about the most. Just listen in on the conversations at an airport lounge and the same conversation about what direction to take with an employee, a boss, a candidate, etc. becomes universal across any company or industry. Just change the names and the conversation is the same. Being able to agree on direction is very important and without it all kinds of strife and consternation occurs. Too many companies struggle and sometimes fail over just this issue. Way too many people fail at their jobs because they don't work a little harder to either understand what the direction is, or worse, they try and fight against the direction, only to find out that they become the odd person out. It is essential that there is agreement on direction and we have to do out part to be a part of the agreement. The Prophet Amos says in Amos Chapter 3:3, "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?". We know the answer. Who are we trying to walk with today but can't because we haven't found that underlying agreement and understanding on the direction that we all should be heading towards?

Reference: Amos 3:3 (New Living Testament)

day 546: The Biggest Loser?

If you think this post is going to be about the TV show, I am sparing us from that. I actually like the show, even though it is my wife who gets me to sit down and watch it every now and then. The best part of the show is what happens after the contest is over and people who have had their lives changed go back and teach others how to lose and keep off weight. Whenever someone has improved themselves and then pass it forward, it's a good thing. But, I digress. It's the time of year when we start setting our goals for the coming year and many people will set a financial goal for 2011 and that goal starts with wanting to know what their income will be. There is nothing wrong with this inquiry, but if the quest for more income becomes more than a goal and becomes an obsession then it can be very dangerous. I am reminded of many a friend and co-worker who when you really got under what was most important to them it was the chase for the almighty dollar and when that chase looked fleeting they would bolt from one job to another regardless of all other factors. It became an obsession and that chase became the biggest loser for them. What can happen is that we become fixated on how much money we are making, or not making and then all other parts of our work will become filtered, colored and jaded by that one part of being employed. It's a slippery slope and one that we have to avoid. Paul puts wealth in an interesting category when in 1 Corinthians 7:30 he writes, "Happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God's work." He was writing to church leaders, but he was writing to us too. If we allow our chase for wealth to become too important it can become a blocker and an obstruction for many other important facets of our lives. Being too fixated on what we earn, could earn or don't earn can without us even knowing it, keep us from gaining the best parts of our lives and leave us instead becoming the biggest loser.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:30 (New Living Testament)

day 545: Becoming Too Attached

Let's face it, our jobs are a huge influence over who we think we are and our self-worth and identity. It is common for me to have discussions with people about this as they they think about changing jobs or companies, especially when they have just lost their job or something has changed from a decision that was out of their control. That is when it becomes painfully obvious that we have become too attached to our work as the signature of who we are. Somewhere, along the way, we allow work and our job titles, to become that important to us. In reality, we all allow this to happen and as much as we want it to not be so, it is nearly impossible to separate the "who we are" from "what we do". So, what do we do so that we don't fall into the trap of becoming "too" attached? Not only do we ensure that we have many outside of work activities and relationships that can also define us it comes down to an attitude of attachment. We must always monitor this level of attachment to our job, to our company and to our work so that we can answer to ourselves who we would be if tomorrow it was all taken from us. The best advice comes from Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:31, "Those in frequent contact with the things for the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away." This is a good time of the year to evaluate our level of attachment to what we do. Has it gone too far? Does it need to be recalibrated? Is it time to ensure that what we do is not the full definition of who we really are?

Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:31 (New Living Testament)

day 544: Intentionally Quiet

As we go into the last month of the year there becomes a bit of a sprint between now and whenever we head off for the holiday break. Not only do we want to complete all of the work items that must be done before we take off for the holidays, we have the rest of our life activities to finish before the big day. If we are not careful we will find ourselves scrambling all month long just trying to get everything done in the "St. Nick" of time. Yet, there will be others around us who don't seem to get ruffled at all and they will go through this season at a steady pace and come across the finish line looking as though they never broke a sweat. What is the difference and how do they do it? Every person has their own coping mechanisms that work for them. There isn't a one size fits all answer but I will offer that getting some quiet time to be intentional each day will go a long way in making this month be one of wholeness and potentially also joyful in how work is done. What I mean by getting intentionally quiet is to commit a few minutes each day, either in the morning or in the evening before going home to look at everything that is to be done for the month and get it all on a piece of paper and slot the work into times for completion. For example, you know you have the annual wrap-up letter that has to be written. It's at the top of the to do list but it is going to take time and other things keep getting in the way. Don't let it just sit there, put a time on your calendar for writing it. Block off that time as sacrosanct. Use that time for that only. On your to do list, write that time next to it and then know that you have planned when to get it done and go to the next item and do the same. Each day that you do this you will see that you have plenty of time to get it all done and time to spare. But without the quiet time to get intentional it can all get away from us. The same is true of our spiritual lives. We must get the quiet intentional time to keep pace and grow. If we lose this time and intentionality we slip and fall behind. David says, "I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him." Today, before the end of this day, let's find that quiet time to get intentional for our work and God's work in us!

Reference: Psalm 62:1 (New Living Testament)