White Space

I have made a decision to create "white space" in both my work and personal life.  What does that mean?

It simply means taking time to notice things - to be aware.

In the context of my work, this means taking some time out each week, during work hours, to read and study and create.  Rob and I found a local coffee place with free WiFi on Monday, so here I am today.  I don't have as long as I'd like - the original plan was 2 hours, but I am here, and that in and of itself is a good first step.

I want to remember things I read today that resonate with me, so I am going to record them here.  Feel free to tune out from this point forward.

From Leading Smart: Don Miller at Story

"We have a relationship with Scripture that is really strange. We sit down and say, "What's in this for me?" What if it's just a story about God? What if He just wants us to get to know Him?"

"Success doesn't tell a very good story. It takes a character with flaws who does good."

"The story that we are telling ourselves is almost always different than the story we are telling the people around us."

Leading Smart: Dave Gibbons at Story

"When there is personal revelation of your weakness--it more fully releases the power of the Spirit."

Leading Smart: Story Launches with Ed Young

"Everybody wants to reach people until you start reaching people."

"The question is not: "How many people are showing up?" The better question is: "Who are you reaching?"

"Change. Conflict. Growth. That's the sequence. Many people won't change. Or they do change and then stop at the conflict, and they never experience the growth."

The Noticer

"...you see only the sand at your feet and what you are eating that you wish was something else.  I don't tell you this as a rebuke; you are very ordinary in your views...Remember, whatever you focus upon, increases." (p. 13)

"...a grateful perspective brings happiness and abundance into a person's life." (p. 13)

"When a person is negative, complaining, and disagreeable, other people stay away.  And that person receives less encouragement and fewer opportunities - because no one wants to be around him" (p.14)

"Ask yourself this question every day: 'What is it about me that other people would change if they could?'" (p. 15)

...because People Matter: SWITCH | Navigating Change with Chip Heath: Session 3

" People are often not ready for change. Consider...

• moving people into the first sky-scraper
• eating the first shrimp
• UGG boots in the middle of summer
  
  • But one change agent impacts another who impacts another who ... (you get the idea)
  • New norms are formed that redefine the "win" for the person or organization"
  "Do we see the win, the outcomes, as measurables that paint us as a success or do we see the win for what our people experience in their relationship with Jesus? How do we best help people move toward their God-designed, truest self?

This has been a great exercise! I am going into work with a relaxed, centered attitude.

This is a definite "rinse and repeat" activity.