Good Morning

I will fear no evil, for you are with me
~King David~

I love movie quotes; one of my favorite coming from the movie “Tombstone.” Wyatt Earp is saying goodbye to Doc Holliday, who is on his deathbed. Struggling to say the appropriate words, he simply says, “Thanks, Doc, for always being there.” What a strong statement!

We live in a world of time demands, distractions and multiple priorities. Time, by far, is our most priceless commodity. No matter how you stretch, schedule or maneuver; you have 24 hours in a day, and not a second more. Within those 24 hours, we have a list of numerous tasks that need to be accomplished. As a society, we judge people on how much they accomplish within those 24 hours; so we focus, grit our teeth and bear down to get the job done. If we are not careful, the people we come in contact with become one of those tasks; something to be checked off the to-do list.

We love the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. He sums life up for so many when he says, “I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye! I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!”

One of the things I admire so much about Jesus is that he never seemed to be in a hurry. He always made time for people. He never saw someone as a task to be accomplished; but someone to be valued. He always made time to be there. His name, Emmanuel, literally means, God with us. Though his actions, and even in his name, God teaches us the importance of being present and in the moment.

Scripture is filled with examples of the ministry of presence. King David said, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are with me.” When Moses was giving final instructions to an intimidated Joshua he said, “Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

Think back; who has had the most influence on your life? I am willing to bet that it is someone who spent time with you. They did not look at you as a “check off a list,” but as someone of value. They stopped what they were doing, and gave you some of their allotted 24 hours.

Allow me to be philosophical for a moment. I wonder at the end of life how many people regret not being able to accomplish more tasks; I think few. Rather, people toward the end of life, I believe, tend to regret neglected relationships. People wished that they had spent more time in relationships and practiced the art and ministry of presence.

As you go through your 24 hours today, I encourage you to take a moment, look and actually see those around you; then, be there. Save yourself some future regrets and make a positive difference in someone.

Blessings,
d

Good Morning

I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand,

as in what direction we are moving.
~Oliver Wendell Holm~

Good Morning,

There is something special about Men’s Camp. I am not sure what it is. Generally speaking, men have a difficult time openly sharing with one another. Oh, we can talk in detail about sports, the stock market, and the ever important topic of the weather. However, in settings like Men’s Camp, men tend to let their guards downs, and they actually talk about themselves, their feelings, beliefs, hopes, dreams and shortcomings. And, perhaps most importantly, they are willing to ask other men for their support and prayers.

This past weekend at Camp Homelani was no different; where approximately 100 men at camp to play, eat, pray, eat, worship, share and eat together. Did I mention the guys had a lot of good food? Thanks, Dave and the kitchen crew! The theme of the weekend was "A Soldier of the Line." Topics of the weekend included being tested under fire, slaying giants in our lives, accepting God’s plan for our lives and becoming the man that God desires us to be. Major Joe Posillico, Divisional Commander of the Golden State Division, was the guest leader. He boldly talked to the men about being willing to stand their ground and fight for the right; the things of God. The scripture of the weekend was II Chronicles 15:7, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

The highlight of the weekend was the testimonies of the men. A recurring theme of the testimonies was a restoration of hope. Several men shared about losing hope; giving up on life and themselves. It was encouraging to hear them say they found a reason to keep going; a reason to fight to become the man God wants them to be; a reason to become a better man. Special thanks go to Major Jeff Martin and the Program Department for all the work, planning and prayer that went into the camp.

I pray that each of you will have a blessed week. Be an encouragement to someone else; it will make their day.

Blessings,
d

Good Morning

June 19, 2008

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me."
--Coach Jimmy Valvano--

Good Morning,

One of the greatest gifts you can give another is believing in them. It is an amazing thing to have someone instilling confidence in you simply by believing in your character and abilities.

Numerous studies have been conducted showing people tend to rise to the expectation of others. Students in whom teachers have confidence tend to get better grades; workers who have the trust of their employers tend to be better workers. Conversely, it has been shown that people also live down to the low expectations of others. There is actually a name for this phenomenon, called the Pygmalion effect.

The movie and Broadway play My Fair Lady was based upon this principle; where an illiterate flower girl becomes a gracious and dignified woman, because of the belief of another. Toward the end of the movie Eliza explains that Profession Higgins always treated her as a flower girl, but she learned to be a lady because Colonel Pickering treated her like a lady.

Jesus believed in others. Take Zacchaeus for example; the people saw a tax collector who took advantage of them; Jesus saw a potential trophy of grace. He was an outcast from society, yet Jesus invited himself to his house for lunch. Saul is another example; he was viewed by the people as a tyrant and a persecutor of the church. Yet, Jesus saw someone who would bring His Gospel throughout the world. Jesus was a "giver of belief."

Throughout Scripture, God calls us to believe in others. He gives us gifts and talents for the express purpose to build up those around us. He instructs us to pray for and encourage each other.

I look back with gratitude to the people who believed in me. Each of them, in their unique way, saw something in me; and communicated that belief through words and actions, especially in times when I did not believe in myself. When I failed or fell short; they continued to have faith in me. They instilled a holy self-confidence in my abilities and character.

I benefited greatly from such support; I wanted to be a better officer; a better leader and a better person. I began to work harder, study harder and care more for others. I became a better officer to a large degree because they treated me like a better officer. Perhaps this is what Paul had in mind when he wrote the following words to the Philippians.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (2:4-5).

I invite each of you to find ways to believe in those you work alongside. Look around and "catch someone doing good" and find creative ways to acknowledge and thank them. I challenge you to believe and expect the best in those around you; in doing so, you will infuse them with confidence and purpose. And, the remarkable thing is that you will feel wonderful doing so.

Blessings,
d