Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by John C. Maxwell (2015-10-06) from his book, Intentional Living: Choosing a Life That Matters (p. 123). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) That is so important to understand as a leader, as a parent and as a minister.   I am a retired minister so that was important for me to know. John says, “When I first started out in my career, I thought that helping people meant trying to change them. So I made that my goal. I wanted to teach messages that would take people to a higher place in their lives. I gave lots of advice. I was young and idealistic. I didn’t yet understand that people don’t change because you want them to. They change because they want to, and it happens only when they’re ready to.” Now of course as parents we strive to encourage through different means the when they are ready to.   And that is a challenge isn’t it? John goes on to say, “If we want to help others, then we must

A thought by John C. Maxwell (2015-10-06) from his book, Intentional Living: Choosing a Life That Matters (p. 122). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Life can be very complicated can’t it?   But it can also be fairly simple.   Here is what John says, “ When we get up every day, we have one of two mindsets . As you start your day, are you wondering what you will reap , or are you wondering what you will sow ?” He goes on, “Are you waiting for others to do something for you, or are you busy looking for something to do for others? People who get outside of themselves and make a difference are looking for ways to sow. They put other people’s interests at the top of their list of priorities every day.” I know how easy it is for a person who is retired or getting close to retirement to want to set other people’s needs aside and look at taking care of yourself and your own needs.   It really is easy to do t

A thought by John C. Maxwell (2015-10-06) from his book, Intentional Living: Choosing a Life That Matters (p. 121). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) John shares that “Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, kept this quote in his wallet:  ‘ There isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.’”  That is such a good thought. Understanding is a very important word and a great way it is found is by asking people to tell their story.   That way you find out why people do what they do and why they do things the way they do.   It also shows how you can help them.   It is also of great help to us personally.     John says, “It’s hard to remain self-centered when your focus is on others. Hearing people’s stories is a great way to get outside of yourself. Not only will their stories inspire you to help them, but they will also show you ways you can help them.” John