Like other ways of commenting, bumper stickers each have a target audience. So, what’s your best bumper sticker ever?!
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn posts for June 27 through July 3, 2022.
Expect the unexpected!
Our children are the product of many different influences. Some we control; some we don’t!
Certainly we have an important role as parents. We can guide and consult. But, parents don’t demand or control specific outcomes in the lives of their children.
I’m always reminded about King David as a father. Now, there was a messy family!
For example, David raised Solomon, someone known for wisdom and a life guided by scriptural precept.
That said, David also raised Absalom, the ultimate in a rebellious, self-consumed, and self-destructive child!
By reflection we can learn from our own mistakes.
By observation we learn from the mistakes of others! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: For me, the differing lifestyles of those two children – Solomon and Absalom – is indication of how parents influence but don’t absolutely control the life outcomes of children.
The Precept: King Hiram commented that God had given to King David a wise son who was able to grasp what’s most critical while making sense of things! Second Chronicles 2.12, paraphrase
How far along are you in recognizing that perfect parents don’t exist?!
An example of being present!
I take many of the photos used in my LinkedIn posts during my morning walks.
I’ve learned to carry my phone to capture pictures when they’re available.
Why? A few minutes later things have shifted and the opportunity is gone. Like the fog in the photo below.
Today’s Observation: The value of being present applies to many life situations, not just photos. Be conscious of what’s happening in front of you right now. BE PRESENT!
The Precept: In Proverbs 6.6-11 Solomon uses observation to learn from nature. Likewise, by being present, we observe what’s happening so we can respond in a timely and appropriate way.
What practices enable you to focus during interactions with others?
An obligation for others
Sometimes we create obligations for others.
How so? When our actions create on-going responsibilities that others must handle.
I’m part of a group that manages a modest estate. We are grappling with options about how to proceed. One member expressed concern about making a decision for future generations.
Fact is, if we choose to continue as is, we’re obligating future generations to the same operational challenges we face today.
Time is my friend, if used for gathering facts, because as it passes I gain deeper insight and make much better sense of life choices! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: Doing nothing creates as much an obligation for others as taking decisive action. So, choose your actions wisely!
The Precept: Good judgment must be bounded by both justice (knowing/doing right) and equity (doing it in a way that’s fair/equitable). See Proverbs 1.2 and Proverbs 2.9 for examples of judgment that’s bounded by justice and equity.
What criteria do you use when making decisions that will impact those who come after you?
Introvert Tip: Overcoming meeting fatigue
Back-to-back-to-back meetings drain introverts.
Schedule and protect calendar space so there are gaps between meetings.
I’ve had busy days of meetings, then a two-hour ride to an evening session with board members, or mentors of students, or fund-raising events.
Be authentic by knowing your best self, protecting that best self, then sharing that best self with others! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: What to do when as an introvert you have to be “on” for an evening session?
Try to commute to the evening session by yourself. Or, if on a bus, skip being social for at least part of the trip so you can recover.
Share how you refill after being drained by constant interactions during a busy day.
Best bumper sticker ever?!
People use bumper stickers for many reasons.
For example, in jest. To inspire. Or, to state an opinion. To support politicians. And, to advertise products.
My favorite is: “My other car is also a piece of junk!” Well, there was another word for “junk”!
What’s your favorite bumper sticker?
Like other ways of commenting, bumper stickers each have a target audience. I suspect that “I used to be cool” (in the photo used in this post) targets old people like me who have stepped out of the race to “be cool”! ? clarity about my target audience comes before the creation of audience-specific, and hence deeply valued, content.
Learn from loss
We’re told the best learning comes from loss.
My wife and I lost a grandchild several years ago.
He lived less than a year; didn’t leave the hospital. Thus, we never held him. We first saw him at the funeral.
I learned God’s sovereign choices are difficult. But, they’re a source of grace and peace in our lives if we accept that gift.
Just like in the photo below, we don’t always see where a turn in life’s road will take us.
Today’s Observation: After the funeral, I spent time reading Numbers 6.22-27. That passage explains how God blesses us with His grace and His peace.
The Precept: God’s grace is sufficient. According to Second Corinthians Chapter 1, we’re equipped to support others in their difficulty because of the comfort we’ve received ourselves.
Share with us a career or life setback you’ve had that helped you move forward in an unexpected way.
