Time Magazine just released their list of Top 100 most influential people. Kanye West was at the top of the list followed by other familiar names like Bradley Cooper, Chris Pratt, Lorne Michaels, and Emma Watson. There were dozens of other names you wouldn't recognize but all of these people are helping to shape our culture- they have this thing called influence.
Influence is rarely given- it is earned.
I don't allow just anyone to have influence in my life. People have to earn the right to shape who I am and what I am about.
No matter who you are or what you do, we all have the capacity to help change the people around us- for good or for bad. We all want influence.
Influence in the direction of your company.
Influence in what decisions are made for your family.
Influence in what political decisions are made.
Influence in the future of your children.
I want influence.
I want to help shape those in my family, my workplace and in my community.
But what about you? Have you earned the right to shape the culture around you. Have you put in the time? Do you have the right motives? Do you have influence?
Friday, April 17, 2015
Friday, April 10, 2015
How to Make Sure You Live Beyond the Grave
Sometimes we take life for granted. I'm guilty of it.
It's similar how you don't realize how often you swallow until you have a sore throat, and it takes every ounce of energy to muster a gulp. Or how you never think about your pinky toe...until you stub it while walking by the couch.
Usually we don't think about life until we meet death.
Well, yesterday I met death. I had the privilege of speaking at a funeral of a friend's father, and it made me contemplate my life. What really stuck out to me about this man is the fact that he is living beyond the grave. I am not talking about in heaven with Jesus (even though I have no doubt about that), but the legacy he created with his family is going to live on for generations.
I never met the man but he has affected my life in ways he would never imagine. I am a better husband, father and follower of Jesus because of him. The lives of my children will be effected because he decided not to settle for good but strived for greatness. His grandson said this about him,
"You see a good man will live a good life with a good family. But when they die, that is the final chapter. But a great man refuses to settle for good, and they strive for a great life with a great family. And that is just the beginning. A great man leaves a legacy."
The impact of this man's life cannot be quantified, but it will definitely be felt in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He left his mark on the world.
As I sit here typing this, I can't help but ask myself, "Am I going to live beyond the grave?" Is my love for people going to extend to my children's children? Is my joy for life going to effect some random guy doing my funeral someday?
People may be forgotten but a legacy never dies.
It's similar how you don't realize how often you swallow until you have a sore throat, and it takes every ounce of energy to muster a gulp. Or how you never think about your pinky toe...until you stub it while walking by the couch.
Usually we don't think about life until we meet death.
Well, yesterday I met death. I had the privilege of speaking at a funeral of a friend's father, and it made me contemplate my life. What really stuck out to me about this man is the fact that he is living beyond the grave. I am not talking about in heaven with Jesus (even though I have no doubt about that), but the legacy he created with his family is going to live on for generations.
I never met the man but he has affected my life in ways he would never imagine. I am a better husband, father and follower of Jesus because of him. The lives of my children will be effected because he decided not to settle for good but strived for greatness. His grandson said this about him,
"You see a good man will live a good life with a good family. But when they die, that is the final chapter. But a great man refuses to settle for good, and they strive for a great life with a great family. And that is just the beginning. A great man leaves a legacy."
The impact of this man's life cannot be quantified, but it will definitely be felt in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He left his mark on the world.
As I sit here typing this, I can't help but ask myself, "Am I going to live beyond the grave?" Is my love for people going to extend to my children's children? Is my joy for life going to effect some random guy doing my funeral someday?
People may be forgotten but a legacy never dies.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
We all have "IT."
What is "IT" for you?
The "IT" I am talking about is the "IT" that gets people out of bed in the morning actually following through on goals and promises they make themselves.
What is it that allows a person who has been smoking for 30 years to actually quit the habit?
If a person wants to lose weight, what actually drives the person to exercise and eat healthy?
The athlete that wants to be the best he can possibly be at his sport needs to have "IT" so he is driven to practice and work harder.
I have experienced "IT" several times in my life.
A year ago I stepped on a scale and "IT" hit me.
The other day I was at a worship service at church and "IT" hit me like a stack of bricks.
When my wife asked me what was more important: my family or my phone..."IT" hit me.
Simply put: "IT" is the feeling of discontentment.
"IT" is the realization that you are not where you want to be. You might be heading down a path that will lead you not to a life you dreamed about but more like a nightmare.
There are 2 types of people in the world- People who ignore "IT" and people who do something because of "IT." Personally, I want to do something because of "IT." I want to exercise and eat healthier. I want to have a real, vibrant relationship with Jesus. I want to put my phone up so my family knows they are the most important thing in my life.
What is "IT" for you? Where in your life are you not where you want to be?
The "IT" I am talking about is the "IT" that gets people out of bed in the morning actually following through on goals and promises they make themselves.
What is it that allows a person who has been smoking for 30 years to actually quit the habit?
If a person wants to lose weight, what actually drives the person to exercise and eat healthy?
The athlete that wants to be the best he can possibly be at his sport needs to have "IT" so he is driven to practice and work harder.
I have experienced "IT" several times in my life.
A year ago I stepped on a scale and "IT" hit me.
The other day I was at a worship service at church and "IT" hit me like a stack of bricks.
When my wife asked me what was more important: my family or my phone..."IT" hit me.
Simply put: "IT" is the feeling of discontentment.
"IT" is the realization that you are not where you want to be. You might be heading down a path that will lead you not to a life you dreamed about but more like a nightmare.
There are 2 types of people in the world- People who ignore "IT" and people who do something because of "IT." Personally, I want to do something because of "IT." I want to exercise and eat healthier. I want to have a real, vibrant relationship with Jesus. I want to put my phone up so my family knows they are the most important thing in my life.
What is "IT" for you? Where in your life are you not where you want to be?
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