Our biggest competition is the status quo. I just heard someone say this on a commercial and it got my attention .
This statement applies to everything we do.
I often feel like I am competing against peers, better ideas, not enough time, too little money or other's accomplishments. But the main thing I should avoid is ever becoming satisfied.
Everyone can accomplish the status quo. I have no desire to be everyone.
We all have within us a tendency toward competitiveness.
We are motivated to work hard to get good grades, awards, position, and financial gain.
We look at what one another have to see if we have more or less.
We compare. Attractiveness, cars, clothing, homes, children, talents and levels of education.
Why are we so competitive? Why do we care what others around us have, or how they look, or what they are doing? Our sinful nature.
Even the disciples were competitive about their positions with Jesus. That had to break Jesus' heart.
I am very competitive. I turn this over to the Lord over and over.
It doesn't matter what others have, it matters that we show our thankfulness by being content and satisfied. I have so much to be thankful for - and I will try to thank Him daily not only verbally but with my contentedness.
Wednesday is a day I have been looking forward to. I was blown away as I stepped from my door and saw a beautiful new blanket of snow. The difference this time was birds were singing at the top of their lungs (do birds have lungs?) and there was a sense of change in the air - anticipation. Hope for spring - and a promise from God's birds that it is not far away!
The anticipation (or dread) for our staff will end today as well! We are doing a staff 'late' valentine exchange/valentine box competition today at Crossroads. Although the planning team has endured quite a bit of teasing because of how corny this event is, today I watched as all the staff walked around looking at everyone's boxes as they dropped valentines into each box.
So... surrounded by criticism we pushed on...we now have turned the corner and the notes describing what they appreciate about one another will soon be opened during lunch together.
Sometimes it takes a corny, relaxed setting to bring out thankfulness and fun! (the last picture shows the homemade frames leftover from the Children's ministry - that will frame the smiling faces of our amazing staff by each place setting!)
Have you done anything at your place of business that ended up being a powerful or fun event for everyone? I would love new ideas!
Just as I had begun to work on Friday the theme song from the Rocky movie blasted through my office telephone intercom. Next I heard the call for the office 'weigh off'' to begin. 4 of my favorite counterparts jumped into gym shorts and headed off to our Senior Pastor's office to weigh in. This weigh in would bring the month long competition to an end. No more taunting, no more tempting, just a winner and three losers.
There was tension in the air, much was at stake, a prize, bragging rights and honor!
As one guy after another stood on the cold, hard, scale we all held our breath. (Ok, so maybe we held our breath due to the bare feet)...anyway, we all watched with great anticipation. And soon a leader emerged. One lost 13 lbs - a great accomplishment, another lost 13 1/2 lbs- a slightly greater accomplishment, another lost 15 lbs - a fantastic accomplishment, but the winner lost 22 lbs. in one month! Crazy good! The winner was Wendell! Our Stewardship Pastor!
We all congratulated Wendell, then we all went out and ate cheeseburgers and french fries to celebrate!
A competition was born today at Crossroads - and I am VERY competitive!
Staff team #1 hosted our monthly lunch with an Italian theme! We had thematic music playing in two locations, thematic food everywhere and it was soooo good! Then some of us offered up our best and worst moments of the past few days, a great way to 'catch up' with one another. What a great way to spend a lunch hour, a great investment of our time, but, now it's team #2's turn in April. And I am on team #2! What to do - the brainstorming has begun! We will not be defeated!! Stay tuned for the next go 'round!
e of how corny this event is, today I watched as all the staff walked around looking at everyone's boxes as they dropped valentines into each box.
ade frames leftover from the Children's ministry - that will frame the smiling faces of our amazing staff by each place setting!)
Just as I had begun to work on Friday the theme song from the Rocky movie blasted through my office telephone intercom. Next I heard the call for the office 'weigh off'' to begin. 4 of my favorite counterparts jumped into gym shorts and headed off to our Senior Pastor's office to weigh in. This weigh in would bring the month long competition to an end. No more taunting, no more tempting, just a winner and three losers.
A competition was born today at Crossroads - and I am VERY competitive!
