“Good business leaders create vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”
Jack Welch
I’ve Been Thinking . . . about what a picture of a World Class Company looks like. If a picture is worth a thousand words, achieving a clear vision of World Class might be priceless.
The movie Dead Poets Society is the story of a professor, John Keating, played by Robin Williams, who teaches at a conservative prep school for boys. In his unorthodox teaching style, Keating teaches the boys far more than his assigned English curriculum.
Keating’s outrageous examples and teaching style inspires these young men to change their lives. In one particular uncustomary classroom scene, Keating stands on a desk to demonstrate the importance of having a “higher view” of the world – a view far different than the one they cultivate sitting in chairs in a traditional classroom or relying on their conventional thinking. Keating enables the boys to see the big picture of life.
If I wasn’t concerned about workplace injuries, I might suggest a similar exercise. Most people could benefit from seeing their world from a big picture view and discovering the seemingly hidden possibilities that tend to be just out of sight.
Our world is in dire need of leaders who inspire people to “elevate their view” of the world and the possibilities that exist. At times, leaders are called on to envision and express that desired future to invigorate and guide team members to a new level of performance. George Bernard Shaw declared, “Most people look at things the way they are and say, ‘Why?’ I look at things the way they could be and say, ‘Why not?” The elevated view enjoyed by people with vision prepares the way for people to see and attain what “could be.”
Leaders are the creators and custodians of the future. Leaders must move beyond the present into a compelling future and provide the inspiration and direction for others to follow along. The world is hungry for visionary leaders who understand what their values are and have a clear picture of what the future could be. World Class leaders continually set forth the compelling vision to remind everyone of the inspirational journey the organization has embarked upon. Without this mindset, a clear picture of the path to World Class isn’t probable.
One of my greatest challenges is to think beyond what is and help those around me to do the same. We need to teach people “how” to think, not “what” to think. My vision for our company is to become a World Class organization that just happens to provide World Class service and care for the elderly. Now the trick is to learn “how” to think World Class and then determine a compelling, non-traditional path for getting there.
Creating the right vision will close the gap between what is occurring now and what we aspire to be in the future. It’s not about specific outcomes but a passion to maximize organizational potential. Our job is to rally those around us to a better future. Here are few questions that might energize a higher view picture of your future:
What would the ideal department look like 3-5 years from now?
What innovative things would you like to attempt that could substantially change the quality of what you do?
What is your dream that currently seems impossible of what the organization could become?
Is there a vision for the future that team members can buy into and believe in?
Is there a vivid image of the future that promotes excitement throughout the organization?
Aristotle said, “The soul never thinks without a picture.” What’s your picture of World Class?
The gap that exists between “what is” and what “could be” is what fuels organizations to new levels of effectiveness and efficiency.
“The future belongs to those who see the possibilities before they become obvious.”
John Sculley
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Becoming a Picker-Upper-Person
“Best friendships are good for business. Companies are coming to discover that, yet are at a loss at what to do about it.”
USA Today
I’ve Been Thinking . . . a lot about relationships recently -- seems to be a common label on my mental file folders.
Several years ago, a Harvard business school professor wrote an open letter to the nation’s graduates. He told them that in one sense they needed to forget what they had learned in their academic training. He indicated that schools tend to put too much emphasis on the belief that success is dependent on passing tests and is based on individual performance rather than on ground effort and collaboration, the professor pointed out that in the workplace high performance depends largely on learning to succeed through what he called a “Web of Relationships”.
The secret to personal success extends far beyond individual accomplishments to the inevitable need for interdependence with those around us. “It’s All About Relationships!” I frequently use that phrase in meetings, one-to-one conversations, social situations and yes, even airplanes. The older I get the stronger my bias that life enrichment, and job success are tied directly to relationship development. Brian Tracy believes, “85% of our job, happiness in life comes from our interaction with others.”
Who are Picker-Upper People? They possess a number of enviable qualities. Consider the following characteristics that positively impact people’s lives. Maybe there is one or two you could work on refining in your life.
* Accept people unconditionally. Accept people for who they are; not what they could be if only they listened to you.
* Seek to understand life from the other person’s perspective. Get inside their world.
* Listen with sincerity and an open mind. Learn from others. Show genuine interest in other people’s lives. Talk less. Leave your ego at the door.
* Respect what is important or valued by others. Respect other’s opinions.
* Be enjoyable to be around. Kind. Gracious. Polite. Tactful. Don’t get uptight by little things that bother you. Make it possible for people to say, “I like myself better when I’m with you.”
* Refrain from criticism. Overlook people’s faults. Overlook minor or petty differences.
* Cherish conflict – momentarily. Quickly and sincerely attempt to resolve any conflict. Learn from the experience.
* Freely provide recognition and appreciation. Encourage and support people. Go to great lengths to make people feel appreciated.
* Get excited about other people’s success. Congratulate them. Share in their exuberance. Be their best cheerleader and promoter.
Here’s a relationship jump start. For the next ‘30’ days, treat everyone you come in contact with as the most important person in your life. Place every greeting, phone call, interaction and goodbye with a heightened level of respect.
Everyone you encounter wants to be important to someone, to be loved, respected and considered special. It could very well be you were placed in their life at this moment in time to add value and significance. What a great opportunity!
There is a side benefit to this approach. People who make treating others as the most important people in their life often find that others begin treating them the same way. It’s funny how life tends to give us back what we give. One thing is for sure, those you touch will not remain as they are – and I doubt you will either.
“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”
George Washington Carver
Monday, February 7, 2011
Doing the Little Things
“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”
Betty Reese
I’ve Been Thinking. . . about the little things that separate excellence from mediocrity, the best from average and World Class from run of the mill. I understand there are a multitude of factors that set people and organizations apart from each other. Just for now, let’s think about the little things.
Every once in awhile my evening television channel surfing lands me on the Discovery Channel show Dirty Jobs. In one episode host Mike Rowe was talking to an industrial painter whose work he was trying to duplicate. “There’s really no glory in what you do,” he said. “No,” the painter agreed, “but it’s a job that needs to be done.”
You see, that man paints the inside of the Mackinac Bridge towers in Northern Michigan. His unnoticed job is done to ensure that the steel of the magnificent suspended structure won’t rust from the inside out, compromising the integrity of the bridge. Most of the 12,000 people who cross the Straits of Mackinac each day aren’t even aware that they are depending on workers like this painter to faithfully do their jobs well.
This painter understood the impact of George Washington Carver’s comments several years ago, “When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.”
My children lived near the bridge in Minneapolis that collapsed into the Mississippi River in August of 2007. Thirteen people were killed in the unfortunate incident. It made me wonder if the “unnoticed bridge painter” had done his job on this bridge.
A wise unknown (or at least I don’t know who it was) person once said: “Never leave a nail sticking up where you found it.” Imagine the irritation that can be caused by hoping someone else will remove the nail or assuming nobody will step on it or just hoping it doesn’t cause “too much” pain. It’s such a little thing – right?
What do the windows in your entryway look like? What is the first impression of someone walking into your building? What is the first impression of your team’s (and your) personal appearance? Do others see us spending an extra few minutes to help a coworker with a ‘little’ task that will make a dramatic difference? How about the on hold music? Does it set you apart?
These little things are HUGE. . . and the list goes on and on and on and on. Are you doing the little things that make a huge difference?
I recently stayed in a hotel that charged what I consider to be ‘a lot’ for a room. I must admit I expected top of the line service for the money I was paying. Settling in to the room, I noticed we had a shampoo and two conditioners but no body lotion. I stopped at the front desk before we went out for the night and asked if we could get some lotion in our room. “Certainly” the desk clerk responded.
Returning to the room later that night, I found a shampoo, no body lotions and three conditioners (not necessary for a nearly bald man). I made the same request the next day with unsuccessful results. Each day I would ‘steal’ lotion from the maid’s cart so we could have some in our room.
“My goodness, it’s only a little lotion,” you say. I know but it’s the little things that impact people, especially when the expectations are high.
How many of you have ever been bitten my a lion? How about a bear? What about a mosquito or fly?
See, it’s the little things that get you!
We are committed to treating every person we come in contact with as the most important person in our life. Sometimes we’re really good. Other times, we fall short. The difference between success and not being so good is ‘doing the little things.’
I recently received an email from one of our quality partners that reinforced our passion to treating people special. Here is a portion of the message:
“I travel quite a bit and often I find myself in four different communities in the country each week. Being "on the road" for over two years now, I can honestly say I never experienced the hospitality, organization, and overall enthusiasm from any company as I have at Vetter. I joked at the fall conference when I said I knew your mission/vision statement by heart because you stressed it so much. The truth is I know and understand those words because you clearly live and breathe them, it’s not just lip service.
Cameo, as well as Mikeal the first training, and Aaron during the conference, were so prepared with EVERY LITTLE detail, I am still speechless. They make my job effortless. When I say DETAIL, I am referring to my favorite candy, my name tag, a Spartan coffee mug/helmet (go greeeeeen!), hanging my coat, making sure I know where I'm going, and the most important part of all: preparing staff for what's to come with iN2L! I could literally go on all day. I can't tell you how much that "little" stuff matters.
If your goal was for VHS staff to be whistling the same tune inside and out, mission accomplished. It is hard to feel at home when you are traveling all but a couple weekends a month, but I genuinely feel "at home" when I walk in your doors. I thank you for the opportunity to present and train, and know that I will fight other trainers for the opportunity to come back to VHS any day.
Carla Sieczkowski
International Training Director
It's Never 2 Late
Now, that’s doing the little things that exceed expectations.
How many times a day does the unnoticed, silent or at least rather quiet things you do impact those around you? What are the little things that can become big things on the path to World Class?
Never underestimate the value of what you consider to be the insignificant part of your job. In fact, identify a few of those right now and pledge to do them better than ever before because someone is going to be impacted. I appreciate the advice of Charles M. Sheldon when it comes to excelling at the little things. He said: “Always seek to excel yourself. Put yourself in competition with yourself each day. Each morning look back upon your work of yesterday and then try to beat it.”
“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.”
Colin Powell
Betty Reese
I’ve Been Thinking. . . about the little things that separate excellence from mediocrity, the best from average and World Class from run of the mill. I understand there are a multitude of factors that set people and organizations apart from each other. Just for now, let’s think about the little things.
Every once in awhile my evening television channel surfing lands me on the Discovery Channel show Dirty Jobs. In one episode host Mike Rowe was talking to an industrial painter whose work he was trying to duplicate. “There’s really no glory in what you do,” he said. “No,” the painter agreed, “but it’s a job that needs to be done.”
You see, that man paints the inside of the Mackinac Bridge towers in Northern Michigan. His unnoticed job is done to ensure that the steel of the magnificent suspended structure won’t rust from the inside out, compromising the integrity of the bridge. Most of the 12,000 people who cross the Straits of Mackinac each day aren’t even aware that they are depending on workers like this painter to faithfully do their jobs well.
This painter understood the impact of George Washington Carver’s comments several years ago, “When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.”
My children lived near the bridge in Minneapolis that collapsed into the Mississippi River in August of 2007. Thirteen people were killed in the unfortunate incident. It made me wonder if the “unnoticed bridge painter” had done his job on this bridge.
A wise unknown (or at least I don’t know who it was) person once said: “Never leave a nail sticking up where you found it.” Imagine the irritation that can be caused by hoping someone else will remove the nail or assuming nobody will step on it or just hoping it doesn’t cause “too much” pain. It’s such a little thing – right?
What do the windows in your entryway look like? What is the first impression of someone walking into your building? What is the first impression of your team’s (and your) personal appearance? Do others see us spending an extra few minutes to help a coworker with a ‘little’ task that will make a dramatic difference? How about the on hold music? Does it set you apart?
These little things are HUGE. . . and the list goes on and on and on and on. Are you doing the little things that make a huge difference?
I recently stayed in a hotel that charged what I consider to be ‘a lot’ for a room. I must admit I expected top of the line service for the money I was paying. Settling in to the room, I noticed we had a shampoo and two conditioners but no body lotion. I stopped at the front desk before we went out for the night and asked if we could get some lotion in our room. “Certainly” the desk clerk responded.
Returning to the room later that night, I found a shampoo, no body lotions and three conditioners (not necessary for a nearly bald man). I made the same request the next day with unsuccessful results. Each day I would ‘steal’ lotion from the maid’s cart so we could have some in our room.
“My goodness, it’s only a little lotion,” you say. I know but it’s the little things that impact people, especially when the expectations are high.
How many of you have ever been bitten my a lion? How about a bear? What about a mosquito or fly?
See, it’s the little things that get you!
We are committed to treating every person we come in contact with as the most important person in our life. Sometimes we’re really good. Other times, we fall short. The difference between success and not being so good is ‘doing the little things.’
I recently received an email from one of our quality partners that reinforced our passion to treating people special. Here is a portion of the message:
“I travel quite a bit and often I find myself in four different communities in the country each week. Being "on the road" for over two years now, I can honestly say I never experienced the hospitality, organization, and overall enthusiasm from any company as I have at Vetter. I joked at the fall conference when I said I knew your mission/vision statement by heart because you stressed it so much. The truth is I know and understand those words because you clearly live and breathe them, it’s not just lip service.
Cameo, as well as Mikeal the first training, and Aaron during the conference, were so prepared with EVERY LITTLE detail, I am still speechless. They make my job effortless. When I say DETAIL, I am referring to my favorite candy, my name tag, a Spartan coffee mug/helmet (go greeeeeen!), hanging my coat, making sure I know where I'm going, and the most important part of all: preparing staff for what's to come with iN2L! I could literally go on all day. I can't tell you how much that "little" stuff matters.
If your goal was for VHS staff to be whistling the same tune inside and out, mission accomplished. It is hard to feel at home when you are traveling all but a couple weekends a month, but I genuinely feel "at home" when I walk in your doors. I thank you for the opportunity to present and train, and know that I will fight other trainers for the opportunity to come back to VHS any day.
Carla Sieczkowski
International Training Director
It's Never 2 Late
Now, that’s doing the little things that exceed expectations.
How many times a day does the unnoticed, silent or at least rather quiet things you do impact those around you? What are the little things that can become big things on the path to World Class?
Never underestimate the value of what you consider to be the insignificant part of your job. In fact, identify a few of those right now and pledge to do them better than ever before because someone is going to be impacted. I appreciate the advice of Charles M. Sheldon when it comes to excelling at the little things. He said: “Always seek to excel yourself. Put yourself in competition with yourself each day. Each morning look back upon your work of yesterday and then try to beat it.”
“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.”
Colin Powell
Monday, January 24, 2011
“Grab Butts”
“If you’re going to play together as a team, you’ve got to care for one another. You’ve got to love each other. The difference between mediocrity and greatness is the feeling these guys have for one another.”
Vince Lombardi
I’ve Been Thinking . . . about what it takes to create a high performing, World Class team. Strangely enough I gained a bit of insight in a most unusual place.
I read about a college that offers a course called Environmental Science, a sophisticated title for a class about the outdoors. The class syllabus includes a number of field trips including a long hike in the mountains navigating a number of steep trails.
One year, to prepare the students for the hike, the professor used a rather unconventional training exercise.
He gathered all the students in a wide open area and announced these instructions: “I want you to mingle around and grab each others’ butts.” You can imagine the reaction. Hesitancy. Nervousness. Curiosity. But, they made the best of the situation and followed the professor’s request.
Once the students had a ‘feel’ (pardon the poor pun) for the experience, the professor shared his rationale for this unusual exercise.
“We are going to be walking up a steep, narrow, slippery slope,” he explained. “Because of this, we will have to hike single file, hunched over, using our hands and feet. If the person in front of you should slip, the first thing you will encounter is his or her butt. If that happens, you will need to reach up with both hands, grab on to both cheeks, and stop him or her from falling. If you’re uneasy touching someone’s butt, you might be tempted to step aside and let the person slide. This would put him or her in immediate risk of severe injury, as well as those behind you.”
There’s a marvelous team building principle embedded in this story. We don’t grab butts, but every team member is well advised to get close to their co-workers so we are better able to help in time of need. Team members who don’t practice butt-grabbing by really getting to know their co-workers are by-passing a critical team building opportunity.
Howard Hendricks said, “You can impress people from a distance, but you can only impact them close up.”
In vibrant organizations there is a unified spirit, a sense of camaraderie. It’s all about family and a mutual interest in each other’s success and well-being. Every team member’s ultimate task is to see that this common bond is sustained.
Our Teamwork value says: “Our relationships are built on mutual trust and respect. We recognize the value and worth of each person we are privileged to encounter, work with, and serve. We seek to understand what is important to others and let people know they are appreciated for who they are and what they do.”
Our value is another way of practicing the “Butt Grabbing” example. What can you do to get more comfortable with your co-workers? Take time to get to know people. Discover what’s important to them. Seek to understand their ideas, feelings, opinions, beliefs and values. Get inside of their world. Let others know how much you value them and appreciate all they do to help the team succeed.
In addition, let people see who you are. Be genuine. Be vulnerable. Be real. Listen to people’s hearts. Share yours. Take time to connect with people. The more transparent you are; the less people have to guess who you are or how you’ll respond to situations. Express what’s in your heart.
Be willing to give of yourself without expecting anything in return. Whatever you want most for your team, be willing to give it. Speak positively about each other, your efforts and your achievements. Help each other win and take pride in each other’s accomplishments. Go to great lengths to help each other be right – not wrong.
The news headlines read: “The Miracle at Quecreek.” Nine miners, trapped for three days 240 feet underground in a water-filled mine shaft, “decided early on they were either going to live or die as a group.”
The fifty-five-degree water was the perfect formula for death by hypothermia. One news report recounted the miner’s experience: “When one would get cold, the other eight would huddle around the person and warm that person, and when another person got cold, the favor was returned.”
Everybody had strong moments,” miner Harry B. Mayhugh told reporters after being released from Somerset Hospital in Somerset, Pennsylvania. “But any certain time maybe one guy got down, and then the rest pulled together. And then that guy would get back up, and maybe someone else would feel a little weaker, but it was a team effort. That’s the only way it could have been.”[1]
Miracle of miracles. . . they all came out alive - together.
Huddling together, butt-grabbing, supporting, trusting, sacrificing, unselfishness. . . all part of building a World Class Team.
“The difference between an average player and a great player is your willingness to sacrifice for your teammates.”
Charles Garfield
[1] From Brian Palmer, Jeff Flock, and Jeff Goodell, “Quecreek Miner Miracle: Teamwork Helped Miners Survive Underground,” 28 July 2002. Found at www.CNN.com /2002/US/07?28 mine-accident.
Vince Lombardi
I’ve Been Thinking . . . about what it takes to create a high performing, World Class team. Strangely enough I gained a bit of insight in a most unusual place.
I read about a college that offers a course called Environmental Science, a sophisticated title for a class about the outdoors. The class syllabus includes a number of field trips including a long hike in the mountains navigating a number of steep trails.
One year, to prepare the students for the hike, the professor used a rather unconventional training exercise.
He gathered all the students in a wide open area and announced these instructions: “I want you to mingle around and grab each others’ butts.” You can imagine the reaction. Hesitancy. Nervousness. Curiosity. But, they made the best of the situation and followed the professor’s request.
Once the students had a ‘feel’ (pardon the poor pun) for the experience, the professor shared his rationale for this unusual exercise.
“We are going to be walking up a steep, narrow, slippery slope,” he explained. “Because of this, we will have to hike single file, hunched over, using our hands and feet. If the person in front of you should slip, the first thing you will encounter is his or her butt. If that happens, you will need to reach up with both hands, grab on to both cheeks, and stop him or her from falling. If you’re uneasy touching someone’s butt, you might be tempted to step aside and let the person slide. This would put him or her in immediate risk of severe injury, as well as those behind you.”
There’s a marvelous team building principle embedded in this story. We don’t grab butts, but every team member is well advised to get close to their co-workers so we are better able to help in time of need. Team members who don’t practice butt-grabbing by really getting to know their co-workers are by-passing a critical team building opportunity.
Howard Hendricks said, “You can impress people from a distance, but you can only impact them close up.”
In vibrant organizations there is a unified spirit, a sense of camaraderie. It’s all about family and a mutual interest in each other’s success and well-being. Every team member’s ultimate task is to see that this common bond is sustained.
Our Teamwork value says: “Our relationships are built on mutual trust and respect. We recognize the value and worth of each person we are privileged to encounter, work with, and serve. We seek to understand what is important to others and let people know they are appreciated for who they are and what they do.”
Our value is another way of practicing the “Butt Grabbing” example. What can you do to get more comfortable with your co-workers? Take time to get to know people. Discover what’s important to them. Seek to understand their ideas, feelings, opinions, beliefs and values. Get inside of their world. Let others know how much you value them and appreciate all they do to help the team succeed.
In addition, let people see who you are. Be genuine. Be vulnerable. Be real. Listen to people’s hearts. Share yours. Take time to connect with people. The more transparent you are; the less people have to guess who you are or how you’ll respond to situations. Express what’s in your heart.
Be willing to give of yourself without expecting anything in return. Whatever you want most for your team, be willing to give it. Speak positively about each other, your efforts and your achievements. Help each other win and take pride in each other’s accomplishments. Go to great lengths to help each other be right – not wrong.
The news headlines read: “The Miracle at Quecreek.” Nine miners, trapped for three days 240 feet underground in a water-filled mine shaft, “decided early on they were either going to live or die as a group.”
The fifty-five-degree water was the perfect formula for death by hypothermia. One news report recounted the miner’s experience: “When one would get cold, the other eight would huddle around the person and warm that person, and when another person got cold, the favor was returned.”
Everybody had strong moments,” miner Harry B. Mayhugh told reporters after being released from Somerset Hospital in Somerset, Pennsylvania. “But any certain time maybe one guy got down, and then the rest pulled together. And then that guy would get back up, and maybe someone else would feel a little weaker, but it was a team effort. That’s the only way it could have been.”[1]
Miracle of miracles. . . they all came out alive - together.
Huddling together, butt-grabbing, supporting, trusting, sacrificing, unselfishness. . . all part of building a World Class Team.
“The difference between an average player and a great player is your willingness to sacrifice for your teammates.”
Charles Garfield
[1] From Brian Palmer, Jeff Flock, and Jeff Goodell, “Quecreek Miner Miracle: Teamwork Helped Miners Survive Underground,” 28 July 2002. Found at www.CNN.com /2002/US/07?28 mine-accident.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Crossing the Border
“Whatever you do for others -- you’ve done it to me.”
Jesus
Sunday – 6:23a.m. - I spent last night in the sand dune, junk yard community of San Luis Mexico…
Let me explain.
I planned a trip to see my brother and sister-in-law in Yuma, Arizona for months. Brother Curt is a missionary serving the poverty in San Luis, Mexico. This would be my first opportunity to cross the border and experience this unique culture.
The much anticipated trip finally arrived. We (a neighbor and I) landed in Yuma around 11:01 on Wednesday determined to play golf in the afternoon. After a little lunch at my brother and sister-in-laws, we quickly made our way to the golf course. It was a little chilly and windy but so great to be playing golf in January. The front nine went pretty well considering the amount of time it had been since I had played. On the 11th hole we began planning our trip to Mexico on Thursday.
I’ve been pumped about this trip for months. I am so proud of what Curt and Kelly are doing and proud to be able to support them. It is easy for me to feel their passion and heart for these seemingly forgotten people.
. . . Back to the golf course. Just before I was ready to tee off, Curt reminded me to take my Passport with me in the morning. The blood immediately drained from my face. Incredible idiotic feelings overcame me. I could hardly get the words out of my mouth ---- “I forgot my Passport!”
I cannot express the degree of disappointment I felt. There is no practical explanation for how I could forget to pack such an important item when planning a trip out of the country. In fact, I never once thought about taking my passport while packing. There must be a reason!
You’re probably waiting for my philosophic lesson. . . . . . I don’t have one!
Thursday morning. . . I wake up with Mexico and my unfortunate mistake on my mind. Maybe, just maybe I can still get my passport and make it to Mexico before going home on Sunday. After a conversation with Jack, the quest is on.
I LOVE America. I love the people, the technology and the speed at which items can be moved across the country.
A trusted friend from work got into my house and located my Passport in a safe where we store important documents. Another team member made arrangements for the Passport to be overnighted to Yuma via UPS. I immediately announced to my brother we were going to Mexico. He rearranged all the plans and we were set to make the trip on Saturday.
These new, encouraging events made our shopping trip to find blankets for the children in San Luis more enjoyable and purposeful. We made a haul at a local store, purchasing 23 blankets for $91.64 and saved $261.00 buying them on sale. I can already sense the need for one of these blankets in a two-year-old’s life!
The Passport arrives and the final plans are in place.
Saturday morning --- 7:32a.m. --- we depart for the border. The trip is finally going to happen. Everything goes smoothly as we literally pray for safety, an opportunity to serve and touch someone’s life, a green light at the border and that Curt will recognize every ALTO sign --- Stop sign in Spanish.
We’re in. Thank you Lord. Deep into San Luis the landscape changes from a commercialized, normal, paved city street in Mexico to blatant poverty.
Thousands of acres of sand are covered in garbage and littered with a few scattered huts, tents, abandoned vehicles and a smattering of a few miniature homes where families dwell. The conditions are virtually impossible to describe let alone embrace as I live in a culture of bountiful blessings.
My first people encounter is a family of four living inside a tent with no electricity, heat, modern convenience or food – yes, food. The father and one of the children are begging for the blankets they saw in our hands. The father begged for more as he indicated it was SO COLD – the temp dropped to 40 the night before inside his tent with zero protection. My brother indicated we would return.
We visited families who had been blessed by the mission’s building of homes. Their gratefulness was immediately evident as they ran to greet my brother Curt with quick vibrant smiles and penetrating brown eyes that sparkled as they reached out for a hug. A 12 x 20 home with a 3’ by 3’ bathroom delivered unmatched happiness and personal pride.
Sunday – 6:23a.m. - I spent last night in the sand dune, junk yard community of San Luis Mexico…
Let me explain.
I planned a trip to see my brother and sister-in-law in Yuma, Arizona for months. Brother Curt is a missionary serving the poverty in San Luis, Mexico. This would be my first opportunity to cross the border and experience this unique culture.
The much anticipated trip finally arrived. We (a neighbor and I) landed in Yuma around 11:01 on Wednesday determined to play golf in the afternoon. After a little lunch at my brother and sister-in-laws, we quickly made our way to the golf course. It was a little chilly and windy but so great to be playing golf in January. The front nine went pretty well considering the amount of time it had been since I had played. On the 11th hole we began planning our trip to Mexico on Thursday.
I’ve been pumped about this trip for months. I am so proud of what Curt and Kelly are doing and proud to be able to support them. It is easy for me to feel their passion and heart for these seemingly forgotten people.
. . . Back to the golf course. Just before I was ready to tee off, Curt reminded me to take my Passport with me in the morning. The blood immediately drained from my face. Incredible idiotic feelings overcame me. I could hardly get the words out of my mouth ---- “I forgot my Passport!”
I cannot express the degree of disappointment I felt. There is no practical explanation for how I could forget to pack such an important item when planning a trip out of the country. In fact, I never once thought about taking my passport while packing. There must be a reason!
You’re probably waiting for my philosophic lesson. . . . . . I don’t have one!
Thursday morning. . . I wake up with Mexico and my unfortunate mistake on my mind. Maybe, just maybe I can still get my passport and make it to Mexico before going home on Sunday. After a conversation with Jack, the quest is on.
I LOVE America. I love the people, the technology and the speed at which items can be moved across the country.
A trusted friend from work got into my house and located my Passport in a safe where we store important documents. Another team member made arrangements for the Passport to be overnighted to Yuma via UPS. I immediately announced to my brother we were going to Mexico. He rearranged all the plans and we were set to make the trip on Saturday.
These new, encouraging events made our shopping trip to find blankets for the children in San Luis more enjoyable and purposeful. We made a haul at a local store, purchasing 23 blankets for $91.64 and saved $261.00 buying them on sale. I can already sense the need for one of these blankets in a two-year-old’s life!
The Passport arrives and the final plans are in place.
Saturday morning --- 7:32a.m. --- we depart for the border. The trip is finally going to happen. Everything goes smoothly as we literally pray for safety, an opportunity to serve and touch someone’s life, a green light at the border and that Curt will recognize every ALTO sign --- Stop sign in Spanish.
We’re in. Thank you Lord. Deep into San Luis the landscape changes from a commercialized, normal, paved city street in Mexico to blatant poverty.
Thousands of acres of sand are covered in garbage and littered with a few scattered huts, tents, abandoned vehicles and a smattering of a few miniature homes where families dwell. The conditions are virtually impossible to describe let alone embrace as I live in a culture of bountiful blessings.
My first people encounter is a family of four living inside a tent with no electricity, heat, modern convenience or food – yes, food. The father and one of the children are begging for the blankets they saw in our hands. The father begged for more as he indicated it was SO COLD – the temp dropped to 40 the night before inside his tent with zero protection. My brother indicated we would return.
We visited families who had been blessed by the mission’s building of homes. Their gratefulness was immediately evident as they ran to greet my brother Curt with quick vibrant smiles and penetrating brown eyes that sparkled as they reached out for a hug. A 12 x 20 home with a 3’ by 3’ bathroom delivered unmatched happiness and personal pride.
I confess. Catherine stole my heart. She ran to Curt who hugged and kissed her. This little three-year-old had a smile that would melt the hardest of hearts. She came to me. . . wet pants and all. She wanted gum…hungry. We asked permission to take her to the ‘grocery’ store and mother smiled her approval – wouldn’t find that happening in most American cities.
We purchased a flat of 36 eggs and 24 bananas --- along with a box of Fruit Loops Catherine picked out. The cost: $7.30.
We said goodbye to a tearful Catherine and made our way back to the tent family. Seeing our vehicle, they ran out of the tent. A visibly ill neighbor mysteriously appeared at the vehicle. We distributed food and the father asked for one more blanket as his two-year-old daughter crawled out of the tent and through the rubbished sand to our feet, reaching out to receive the gift of warmth. We obliged. How could we resist?
The stories continue. . .
Our hours inside the invisible walls were an astonishing, mind-boggling, revelation! Dire basic human needs, welcoming hearts, putrid physical and human conditions, engaging smiles and people struggling to live out each day with minimal comfort – it is heart wrenching and the need is absolutely overwhelming. One person, one heart, one need, one soul at a time.
This mission effort is impacting people’s lives at a very fundamental level – survival. It’s all about the relationships, the trust, and the community that is being built. God’s love is being brought to life through food, soccer balls, blankets, water and homes. More profound are the hugs, kisses, hand shakes, smiles and unconditional acceptance.
As we drove away to improving conditions, each block moved us closer to civilization. Was it just a dream we just experienced? Not a chance! It was a mind branding and disheartening reality. It shouldn’t be like THIS!
. . . I didn’t physically spend the night last night in Mexico. The eleven minute walk through customs allowed me to physically re-enter the USA. BUT, my mind and my heart were unable to leave. In my dreams last night, I mentally relived each visual image, re-experienced each person I hugged or child I held and emotionally struggled to understand the inequity of life. . .
I spent the night last night reliving San Luis!
“Do you really love me? -- Take care of my sheep.”
Jesus
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
“Your past is important, but as important as it is, it is not nearly as important to your present as the way you see your future.”
Dr. Tony Campolo
I’ve Been Thinking. . . about the anticipation, excitement and mystery of moving into the unknown future.
If I read any comic strips, there are three that will get my quick attention. One is BC. I love the one with a cave man standing in front of a rock labeled “Exchanges.” He complained to the person in charge of exchanges, “My calendar watch won’t budge.”
The other man replied, “I don’t wonder. I’m not too choked up about moving into the next year myself.”
The end of one year and the dawning of a new year can be a daunting thought for some people. For others, it provides an excellent opportunity to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start. Last year has no life. Next year is filled with life infused possibilities.
Remember the television series, The West Wing? Fictional president Josiah Bartlet regularly ended staff meetings with two words – “What’s next?”
This was his way of signaling that he was finished with the issue at hand and ready to move on to other concerns. The demands and pressures of the White House required that he not focus on what was in the rearview mirror -- he needed to concentrate on the “what next” priorities.
What’s next? The kind of future we see next week, next month or next year will shape how we live today. Sometimes the struggle to move into the future is because people are paralyzed by the past. The more time you spend looking backward, the less capable you will be of seeing ahead. It’s not possible to think clearly about the future (which is where you are going to live) if you’re obsessed with the past. As Ivern Ball advised, “The past should be a springboard, not a hammock.” Look at the past as just basic training for your future.
Choose to be forward-focused, not past-obsessed. No matter what your past has been, you have a spotless future. No matter what last year produced, the New Year is awaiting your arrival. What you invest into the next 365 days will determine, in large part, what those days give back to you. It is valuable to learn from past experiences, focus on the present and prepare yourself to move confidently into the future.
Here are a couple thoughts to ponder for the New Year. . .
1. You cannot erase the past but you can write the future.
2. The more you carry the past around, the less likely it is the present will improve.
3. If you truly ‘live’ in the present, you’ll build a road to the future.
4. You either create the future you want or endure the future you are given.
The well known preacher Henry Ward Beecher said: “We have passed through one more year. One more long stage in the journey of life, with its ascents and descents and dust and mud and rocks and thorns and burdens that wear the shoulders, is done. The old year is dead. Roll it away. Let it go. God, in His providence, has brought us out of it. It is gone; . . . its evil is gone; its good remains. The evil has perished, and the good survives.”
So. . . what’s next?
“If there is faith in the future, there is power in the present.”
John Maxwell
Dr. Tony Campolo
I’ve Been Thinking. . . about the anticipation, excitement and mystery of moving into the unknown future.
If I read any comic strips, there are three that will get my quick attention. One is BC. I love the one with a cave man standing in front of a rock labeled “Exchanges.” He complained to the person in charge of exchanges, “My calendar watch won’t budge.”
The other man replied, “I don’t wonder. I’m not too choked up about moving into the next year myself.”
The end of one year and the dawning of a new year can be a daunting thought for some people. For others, it provides an excellent opportunity to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start. Last year has no life. Next year is filled with life infused possibilities.
Remember the television series, The West Wing? Fictional president Josiah Bartlet regularly ended staff meetings with two words – “What’s next?”
This was his way of signaling that he was finished with the issue at hand and ready to move on to other concerns. The demands and pressures of the White House required that he not focus on what was in the rearview mirror -- he needed to concentrate on the “what next” priorities.
What’s next? The kind of future we see next week, next month or next year will shape how we live today. Sometimes the struggle to move into the future is because people are paralyzed by the past. The more time you spend looking backward, the less capable you will be of seeing ahead. It’s not possible to think clearly about the future (which is where you are going to live) if you’re obsessed with the past. As Ivern Ball advised, “The past should be a springboard, not a hammock.” Look at the past as just basic training for your future.
Choose to be forward-focused, not past-obsessed. No matter what your past has been, you have a spotless future. No matter what last year produced, the New Year is awaiting your arrival. What you invest into the next 365 days will determine, in large part, what those days give back to you. It is valuable to learn from past experiences, focus on the present and prepare yourself to move confidently into the future.
Here are a couple thoughts to ponder for the New Year. . .
1. You cannot erase the past but you can write the future.
2. The more you carry the past around, the less likely it is the present will improve.
3. If you truly ‘live’ in the present, you’ll build a road to the future.
4. You either create the future you want or endure the future you are given.
The well known preacher Henry Ward Beecher said: “We have passed through one more year. One more long stage in the journey of life, with its ascents and descents and dust and mud and rocks and thorns and burdens that wear the shoulders, is done. The old year is dead. Roll it away. Let it go. God, in His providence, has brought us out of it. It is gone; . . . its evil is gone; its good remains. The evil has perished, and the good survives.”
So. . . what’s next?
“If there is faith in the future, there is power in the present.”
John Maxwell
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Magic of Christmas
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
Norman Vincent Peale
I’ve Been Thinking . . . about that magic wand Dr. Peale referred to.
A notice came in the mail the other day that I had a registered letter to be picked up at the post office. I arrived at the post office shortly after it opened, hoping to beat the Holiday rush. No such luck!
In line ahead of me was a woman with a sack full of Christmas Cards to be mailed. “I’d like 100 stamps,” she said to the clerk.
“What denomination would you like?” the postal employee asked in a friendly tone.
“Oh, good heavens! I can’t believe it has come to this,” the lady responded. “Well, give me 50 Catholic and 50 Lutheran ones.”
Apparently the magic wand hadn’t yet touched this lady. In fact, she was clueless. She’s probably not the only one.
We each hear different things during the Christmas season depending on our perspective, what we expect and our past experiences. The magic at Christmas isn’t necessarily present for everyone even though the gift of Christmas is available to everyone.
A little boy was reading his new book of Bible stories when his mother asked him what he was doing. The young lad quickly responded, “I’m watching Jesus being born!” That’s the magic of Christmas.
The world can be softer and more beautiful when we understand and embrace the power that came with this lowly birth. And there’s only one Baby Jesus.
Seven year old Nancy loved Christmas. She was reflecting on the lights, Christmas tree, the church program, and of course, the candy and gifts. With the spirit and innocence of a seven year old, Nancy exclaimed to her sister; “I sure hope Joseph and Mary have another baby.”
Not going to happen. We get one Jesus and he is enough for the world. But, don’t be fooled by that silent lowly birth. His presence and significance continue to be felt throughout the world.
Whatever your situation. Whatever your perspective. Whatever your take on Christmas. Whatever misgivings, hesitations, doubts or questions you have . . . I pray the magic wand of Christmas will touch your heart and life this year.
And she will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
Norman Vincent Peale
I’ve Been Thinking . . . about that magic wand Dr. Peale referred to.
A notice came in the mail the other day that I had a registered letter to be picked up at the post office. I arrived at the post office shortly after it opened, hoping to beat the Holiday rush. No such luck!
In line ahead of me was a woman with a sack full of Christmas Cards to be mailed. “I’d like 100 stamps,” she said to the clerk.
“What denomination would you like?” the postal employee asked in a friendly tone.
“Oh, good heavens! I can’t believe it has come to this,” the lady responded. “Well, give me 50 Catholic and 50 Lutheran ones.”
Apparently the magic wand hadn’t yet touched this lady. In fact, she was clueless. She’s probably not the only one.
We each hear different things during the Christmas season depending on our perspective, what we expect and our past experiences. The magic at Christmas isn’t necessarily present for everyone even though the gift of Christmas is available to everyone.
A little boy was reading his new book of Bible stories when his mother asked him what he was doing. The young lad quickly responded, “I’m watching Jesus being born!” That’s the magic of Christmas.
The world can be softer and more beautiful when we understand and embrace the power that came with this lowly birth. And there’s only one Baby Jesus.
Seven year old Nancy loved Christmas. She was reflecting on the lights, Christmas tree, the church program, and of course, the candy and gifts. With the spirit and innocence of a seven year old, Nancy exclaimed to her sister; “I sure hope Joseph and Mary have another baby.”
Not going to happen. We get one Jesus and he is enough for the world. But, don’t be fooled by that silent lowly birth. His presence and significance continue to be felt throughout the world.
Whatever your situation. Whatever your perspective. Whatever your take on Christmas. Whatever misgivings, hesitations, doubts or questions you have . . . I pray the magic wand of Christmas will touch your heart and life this year.
And she will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
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