Southwest Airlines has some of the best advertisements! One of my favorites (and one of the funniest ever) is their Wanna Get Away? campaign. You've probably seen one of these ads and laughed at it yourself. But, in case you haven't, the premise is this. Someone in the ad does something really stupid and/or embarrassing, to which the announcer for the ad acknowledges (along with everyone else watching the ad) that the only thing that person can/should do is get away from that situation. Southwest Airlines just happens to provide a lot of places for you to get away to. It is really an effective campaign (as well as extremely humorous). We've all been there...
Lately I have been thinking a lot about wanting to get away. As a matter of fact, my sweet wife and I did get away last weekend for a wonderful "Weekend to Remember" in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was wonderful! Really wonderful!
But, what is it about a lot of us that we sometimes persistently feel the need to get away? What are we trying to get away from, and why?
Well, just like in the advertisements, sometimes we have done something really stupid and/or embarrassing and we think that getting away is the only answer to our situation. Just pack it up, move out of (or away from) the situation and start all over again. Sometimes it is just too painful and humiliating to stay in that particular situation and deal with the consequences and/or comments people make regarding our stupid and/or embarrassing mistake. Like I said earlier, if we are honest with each other, we've all been there...
Lately I've had the urge/idea to get away from our country. There are so many things going on in the politics/government of this land that I don't agree with and really don't like. I can't begin to tell you how much I don't like some of these things! So, it seems very logical to me to want to get away. But, where am I going to get away to? There have even been urges to get away from our city, our neighborhood, and/or our house. Sometimes it seems like starting all over with a clean slate would solve a lot of problems. But, would it really?
Since I am going to hit the ripe old age of double nickels (55) this September, I have also been giving a lot of thought to getting away from my job/career (and some of the incredible responsibilities that go along with that job/career). How much longer am I supposed to do this anyway? How much longer do I work at this job/career that I've been so fortunate to enjoy for more than 31 years? What's the next thing on the horizon for me from a job/career standpoint? Somedays I really, really enjoy my job/career. And then there are other days when I really want to get away.
Sadly, there are even some days (and I really hate to admit it, but I'm just being painfully honest here) when I want to get away from some of the people and relationships in my life. Maybe it is the people that I work with who don't seem to understand me or who are moving away from me? Or maybe it is some of my friendships that are different now and I am just ready to move on to someone/something new? That is when I scare myself about wanting to get away.
In pondering this subject the last couple of days leading up to writing this blog, I have narrowed it down to the following three things I REALLY want to get away from.
First, I want to get away from being a quitter when it comes to our country, our city, our neighborhood and even our house. What good does quitting do? Would anything get better if I quit? Who is going to turn our country and city and neighborhood around if not me? Why would I even consider abandoning my part in all of this? So what if it requires a lot more work and a lot more hassle and a lot more prayer? I need to hang in there and influence our future in a positive and godly way. That is what I am called to do as a Christ follower.
Second, I want to get away from fantasizing about leaving a terrific job/career (and the responsibilities that go with it). I have been so blessed by my job/career for many years. Until I am called to the next thing, why not be faithful to the situation God currently has me in? There is still a lot more work to be done where I am. Who's going to do that work if I check out and abandon my post? I need to give it my best effort and make a difference where I am until God moves me to that next place, wherever that may be.
Third, I want to get away from a selfishness/self-centeredness that causes me to even think about leaving certain friendships/relationships. I believe that God brings certain people my way for an express purpose, and He put me in this specific family for His kingdom and His purposes. Who am I to even consider abandoning that just because it is at times difficult, uncomfortable, challenging and perhaps even unpleasant? God is sovereign. He knows just where I am and who I am with. He has me here in these relationships and this family for His well-defined purposes. Why not live into those purposes so that He can take me to the next assignments He has planned in advance for me?
What about you? Are there times when you wanna get away, too? In spite of what the Southwest Airlines ads say, just a quick get away to another city/country doesn't solve anything. Sometimes the best thing you can do when you find yourself in a situation where you wanna get away is to look up and ask God, "What are you expecting me to do in the place You have placed me right now?" Following His plan for your life is much more satisfying and long-lasting than a weekend or month long escape from your current situation.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Taking Credit
A good friend challenged me this week for not taking credit for something she felt I deserved recognition for. Then this morning, we discussed the whole issue even further. Consequently, this post...
How do you respond when someone else takes credit for something you feel you deserve credit for? How do you react when someone takes credit for something you are pretty sure they really didn't have much involvement in?
Falsely taking credit seems to happen in a lot of places these days, doesn't it? The most prevalent might be in politics and our workplaces. But, this same problem occurs in several other places as well. For example, it happens in our homes, and in our friendships, and sadly, even in our churches.
Where's the balance? Are we banned then from taking credit for something? Is there an appropriate time and place for taking credit, almost fighting for the rights to that credit? Sure.
For example, my son Andy is in sales. A portion of his income is determined by the actual sales that he gets credit for. He should take credit for the sales that he is primarily responsible for bringing in to his company. Also, if you have genuinely written or composed something, you should be recognized and take credit for what you have uniquely developed.
Those are the easy ones.
But, what about when you are part of a much larger team, and the whole team accomplishes something noteworthy? How much credit do you deserve then? What happens when the whole team gets recognition and you are specifically left off of the list of contributors? Kind of makes you mad, doesn't it? But, should it?
I am reminded of a saying that's been around awhile. I have quoted this phrase many times over the years. It goes something like this: "If you have to ask for respect, you really don't deserve it." In other words, if you have done something noteworthy, and have given it your best effort, try to let that be enough. Don't worry about taking credit (or getting respect) for what you've done. If you really deserve it, at some point in time it will be yours. Just wait.
In our human condition, that is so hard to do, however. We want the credit we deserve, and we want it now!
This weekend, if you are like me you are trying to focus your time, attention and "spirit" on the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He came so that we might know how to live. He died so that our sins would be forgiven. He rose from the dead so that we might have eternal life. He lives to guide us in what we need to do to honor and serve Him. He deserves all the credit.
Read the following verses from an old hymn written by Lowell Mason back in 1824:
"When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God.
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down:
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all."
After that, fussing about taking credit seems pretty unimportant, doesn't it?
How do you respond when someone else takes credit for something you feel you deserve credit for? How do you react when someone takes credit for something you are pretty sure they really didn't have much involvement in?
Falsely taking credit seems to happen in a lot of places these days, doesn't it? The most prevalent might be in politics and our workplaces. But, this same problem occurs in several other places as well. For example, it happens in our homes, and in our friendships, and sadly, even in our churches.
Where's the balance? Are we banned then from taking credit for something? Is there an appropriate time and place for taking credit, almost fighting for the rights to that credit? Sure.
For example, my son Andy is in sales. A portion of his income is determined by the actual sales that he gets credit for. He should take credit for the sales that he is primarily responsible for bringing in to his company. Also, if you have genuinely written or composed something, you should be recognized and take credit for what you have uniquely developed.
Those are the easy ones.
But, what about when you are part of a much larger team, and the whole team accomplishes something noteworthy? How much credit do you deserve then? What happens when the whole team gets recognition and you are specifically left off of the list of contributors? Kind of makes you mad, doesn't it? But, should it?
I am reminded of a saying that's been around awhile. I have quoted this phrase many times over the years. It goes something like this: "If you have to ask for respect, you really don't deserve it." In other words, if you have done something noteworthy, and have given it your best effort, try to let that be enough. Don't worry about taking credit (or getting respect) for what you've done. If you really deserve it, at some point in time it will be yours. Just wait.
In our human condition, that is so hard to do, however. We want the credit we deserve, and we want it now!
This weekend, if you are like me you are trying to focus your time, attention and "spirit" on the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He came so that we might know how to live. He died so that our sins would be forgiven. He rose from the dead so that we might have eternal life. He lives to guide us in what we need to do to honor and serve Him. He deserves all the credit.
Read the following verses from an old hymn written by Lowell Mason back in 1824:
"When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God.
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down:
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all."
After that, fussing about taking credit seems pretty unimportant, doesn't it?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Thank You, Erma Bombeck (and Katie, too!)
It was going to be a great Saturday for me to work in the yard, do some landscaping and catch up on some projects around the house. You see, the previous weekend had been the wedding of our son, Peter, and his lovely bride, Kristen, and a lot of things just had to wait until that wonderful event was over. Also, my fantastic wife, Ellen, was out-of-town sight-seeing in Arizona with our friend, Karin (from Denmark; here for the wedding). It would just be Nathan and me at home. We could get a lot done. I could get some much needed exercise and maybe sweat off some of the unwanted weight that had shown up on the scale recently. It was going to be perfect!
Then my incredible daughter, Katie, e-mailed Nathan, Andy and me and asked us to be spontaneous. "Since everyone else in the family is out-of-town, how about if the rest of of us do something crazy fun out-of-town, too?" You see, Peter and Kristen were still on their honeymoon, Andy's wonderful girlfriend, Annie, was in New York City conducting a tour.
At first my gut reaction was "I have yard work to do. You guys go on ahead without me and have fun." Then, the voice of Erma Bombeck spoke to me and said, "Really? Are you sure that's the response you really want to give to your precious daughter?"
By now, some of you reading this are asking, "Who in the world is Erma Bombeck?" Erma Bombeck was an American humorist who wrote a syndicated newspaper column from the mid 60's to the mid 90's. Unfortunately, she contracted a kidney disease in 1996 and died following an unsuccessful kidney transplant. But, one of the famous writings she penned after learning that she was sick was "If I Had My Life To Live Over." In this piece (which you can find on Google, by the way), she voices some of the things that probably all of us have done at one time or another, but maybe lived to regret? She closed with this:
"But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back."
Well, that's why I want to thank Erma Bombeck! Because yesterday I think I seized every minute, looked at it, really saw it, lived it, and I'm never giving it back! Thank you, Katie! Thank you, Southwest Airlines! Thank you, Andy! Thank you, Nathan! And thank you, Phoebe, for meeting us in St. Louis!
It was CRAZY from the beginning! The four of us met at 8 a.m. at Andy's apartment. We then drove to Love Field (where Katie works and has fantastic "privileges" as a Southwest Airlines employee for non-rev travel), parked the car, and caught a direct flight to St. Louis. Now I travel for a living (not really, but there are times when it seems like it!). It was so weird for me to not have anything but a newspaper with me on the flight! No briefcase, no laptop, no concerns about the meeting I was about to attend, etc. Yes!
When we landed in St. Louis, we bought day passes on their Metro Rail and embarked on our St. Louis adventure. First stop? My old stomping grounds - University City, Missouri! Yes! When I graduated from college, this is where I lived and worked. We went to one of the places I remembered from the late 70's for lunch - Blueberry Hill - and my niece, Phoebe, met us there! Yes! Did I tell you that we were all wearing matching t-shirts (Andy's idea, sort of) - the Ellwood Pancake Breakfast ones we had printed last year for our 30th annual New Year's Day feed? Phoebe got one, too. It was great!
After lunch we walked a mile or so to the next train stop and just missed that train heading to the St. Louis Arch. Oh well. Another one was coming in 15-20 minutes. But, that meant that our tickets to the 1:30 p.m. boat cruise would be compromised. Rats! So, thanks again to my resourceful daughter, Katie, we called and got the tickets changed to the 3:00 p.m. cruise on the Tom Sawyer instead. Yes!
When we got to the Arch, there were over 200 people there having a pillow fight! Ha. It was CRAZY! We went to the river, the 1840's cathedral there, and just lounged around awhile enjoying the sweetness of the moment under the Arch. Then we got on the boat and took a one-hour cruise on the Mississippi. I got really sunburned! I loved every minute of it.
Did I tell you that our flight back was at 4:40 p.m. and we didn't step off the boat until 4 o'clock? Not to worry. Once again, my sweet daughter, Katie, got on her cell phone and determined that we could probably go stand-by on the 5:15 flight. We were still about 45 minutes from the airport.
After a great train ride with a stop to part ways with Phoebe and say good-bye, after which she called out, "See you next weekend?" (since she had been to Texas the weekend before for the wedding!), we headed for the airport.
Now, I mean to tell you, I have made mad dashes to catch planes in my lifetime, but none quite as CRAZY as this one. We stepped off the train at 5 o'clock and RAN!!! We made the 5:15 flight by continuing to run and by not putting our shoes on after going through Security, and were taxi-ing out to the runway at 5:13 p.m. Yes!
Is that crazy or what? Did we have a great time? You bet. Did it cost me a Saturday working in the yard and around the house? Yeah. Was it worth it? Heck, yeah!
Thank You, Erma Bombeck (and Katie, too!). I am so grateful to God for spontaneity and fun with family! If I had my life to live over, I'd do it all again. You can do yardwork, exercise, lose weight, and things around the house anytime. But, a CRAZY trip to St. Louis for the day may only come along once in your life...
Then my incredible daughter, Katie, e-mailed Nathan, Andy and me and asked us to be spontaneous. "Since everyone else in the family is out-of-town, how about if the rest of of us do something crazy fun out-of-town, too?" You see, Peter and Kristen were still on their honeymoon, Andy's wonderful girlfriend, Annie, was in New York City conducting a tour.
At first my gut reaction was "I have yard work to do. You guys go on ahead without me and have fun." Then, the voice of Erma Bombeck spoke to me and said, "Really? Are you sure that's the response you really want to give to your precious daughter?"
By now, some of you reading this are asking, "Who in the world is Erma Bombeck?" Erma Bombeck was an American humorist who wrote a syndicated newspaper column from the mid 60's to the mid 90's. Unfortunately, she contracted a kidney disease in 1996 and died following an unsuccessful kidney transplant. But, one of the famous writings she penned after learning that she was sick was "If I Had My Life To Live Over." In this piece (which you can find on Google, by the way), she voices some of the things that probably all of us have done at one time or another, but maybe lived to regret? She closed with this:
"But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back."
Well, that's why I want to thank Erma Bombeck! Because yesterday I think I seized every minute, looked at it, really saw it, lived it, and I'm never giving it back! Thank you, Katie! Thank you, Southwest Airlines! Thank you, Andy! Thank you, Nathan! And thank you, Phoebe, for meeting us in St. Louis!
It was CRAZY from the beginning! The four of us met at 8 a.m. at Andy's apartment. We then drove to Love Field (where Katie works and has fantastic "privileges" as a Southwest Airlines employee for non-rev travel), parked the car, and caught a direct flight to St. Louis. Now I travel for a living (not really, but there are times when it seems like it!). It was so weird for me to not have anything but a newspaper with me on the flight! No briefcase, no laptop, no concerns about the meeting I was about to attend, etc. Yes!
When we landed in St. Louis, we bought day passes on their Metro Rail and embarked on our St. Louis adventure. First stop? My old stomping grounds - University City, Missouri! Yes! When I graduated from college, this is where I lived and worked. We went to one of the places I remembered from the late 70's for lunch - Blueberry Hill - and my niece, Phoebe, met us there! Yes! Did I tell you that we were all wearing matching t-shirts (Andy's idea, sort of) - the Ellwood Pancake Breakfast ones we had printed last year for our 30th annual New Year's Day feed? Phoebe got one, too. It was great!
After lunch we walked a mile or so to the next train stop and just missed that train heading to the St. Louis Arch. Oh well. Another one was coming in 15-20 minutes. But, that meant that our tickets to the 1:30 p.m. boat cruise would be compromised. Rats! So, thanks again to my resourceful daughter, Katie, we called and got the tickets changed to the 3:00 p.m. cruise on the Tom Sawyer instead. Yes!
When we got to the Arch, there were over 200 people there having a pillow fight! Ha. It was CRAZY! We went to the river, the 1840's cathedral there, and just lounged around awhile enjoying the sweetness of the moment under the Arch. Then we got on the boat and took a one-hour cruise on the Mississippi. I got really sunburned! I loved every minute of it.
Did I tell you that our flight back was at 4:40 p.m. and we didn't step off the boat until 4 o'clock? Not to worry. Once again, my sweet daughter, Katie, got on her cell phone and determined that we could probably go stand-by on the 5:15 flight. We were still about 45 minutes from the airport.
After a great train ride with a stop to part ways with Phoebe and say good-bye, after which she called out, "See you next weekend?" (since she had been to Texas the weekend before for the wedding!), we headed for the airport.
Now, I mean to tell you, I have made mad dashes to catch planes in my lifetime, but none quite as CRAZY as this one. We stepped off the train at 5 o'clock and RAN!!! We made the 5:15 flight by continuing to run and by not putting our shoes on after going through Security, and were taxi-ing out to the runway at 5:13 p.m. Yes!
Is that crazy or what? Did we have a great time? You bet. Did it cost me a Saturday working in the yard and around the house? Yeah. Was it worth it? Heck, yeah!
Thank You, Erma Bombeck (and Katie, too!). I am so grateful to God for spontaneity and fun with family! If I had my life to live over, I'd do it all again. You can do yardwork, exercise, lose weight, and things around the house anytime. But, a CRAZY trip to St. Louis for the day may only come along once in your life...
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