integrity

Simple Joys are Holy

Excerpt from Celtic Daily Prayer Morning Prayer Devotion:

Simple joys are holy

If you want your dream to be
Take your time, go slowly
Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely
If you want to live life free
Take your, time go slowly
Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely

Day by day, stone by stone
Build your secret slowly
Day by day, you’ll grow too
You’ll know heaven’s glory

If you want to live life free
Take your time go slowly
If you want your dream to be
Take your time, go slowly

‘Little Church’ (Donovan Leitch)

Freeing Integrity pt. 2

When I act with more integrity (wholly oneself, fully true…) I am free from needing others appreciation.

I know what is my strength and where I can have impact. I do not need others to affirm that as often. And when I do need affirmation, I only look for it with those whom I would consider integral people in my life.

When I write a blog post I’m proud of, I don’t need to send it to my friends and say look what I did to be reminded it is good. I know it is because it’s coming from a wholly true place in me.

Freeing Integrity pt. 1

As I gain freedom to act with more integrity (wholly oneself, fully true, …) I am finding more joy and fulfillment.

I feel less obligated to act in areas I know are not my arena. At the same time I feel more obligated in areas that are my forte. I feel as though I’m accomplishing more. Not necessarily more off my checklist but the things I am checking off or working towards are being done better. Much better.

I’m loving my wife more fully when I realize I don’t need to spend the extra 10 minutes checking social media at night. I’m able to ensure my team at work has what they need when I realize the urgent request from another group is not the important matter I need to focus on. I’m giving more of my time and resources to people and organizations I care most about and able to toss out mailing requests and say no to those who are not in my arena of influence.

This is so freeing.

Focus and Energy

Where focus goes energy flows.

It’s incredibly important we know where our focus is. Our focus will dictate the direction of our lives.

The places I care most about are those which I will direct my focus. Those which are loose associations I will disregard when possible. I only have so much energy so I need to be sure I’m spending it appropriately.

Needing Applause

I often think I need applause. I need the people around me to like me, approve of me, think I’m something even if I’m not.

Instead, I’m working towards knowing myself enough to know where the applause is meaningful. I still appreciate applause but only in the arenas I know are my arenas. The areas I thrive in. The people I truly care about. The places who I am and what I offer connects to a need of those in the arena.

For example, I’m not going to be a big time home renovator. It’s not in my soul. I’m not going to be able to be the DIY fix it guy of my home. I’m then not going to try to no end to fix things around my house or re-design my upstairs on my own. I’m going to hire someone or ask a skilled friend to help in big ways. I won’t expect people to come to my home and be amazed and appreciative of my skill with a saw or drywall. I will however expect people to appreciate and feel welcomed in my home. I am a hospitality person. I love making people feel welcome and included. When I see someone feel comfortable in my home and get loved by my family and those in my home, I will appreciate the applause there. That’s my strength…not hanging drywall.

If only–Even If

I heard a friend share this idea of taking the things we communicate as “If Only..” Statements and switching them for a more helpful and holistic attitude.

If only I could do all of what I love at work, then I’d have meaning

If only I could get them to want me then, I’d be on the right path.

If only I could catch a break, then I could get going.

Instead I’m going to think of it this way…

Even if most my job isn’t directly connected to passions, I’ll find meaning in the midst.

Even if they don’t want me, I’ll find the right path.

Even if I don’t catch a break, things will keep going.

This transition has to come from a realization of the magnitude of life and trust there is goodness to be seen and tasted. For me that is the overflow of my faith in a God who does everything to bring us into His Kingdom and bring His Kingdom to us. Even giving up Himself to make it all right.

I feel freed when I transition to “Even If.” “If Only” bounds me tighter and tighter. Keeping me from releasing all that is possible.

Thanks to Coleman McIntyre for sharing this powerful message!

Paralysis Comes from Fear

When I feel frozen, I often find it’s because I’m scared.

I don’t know where to go next and I’m afraid to find out or I do not know but I’m scared of what that means.

Being paralyzed in the  moment cannot last long. The world, my community, my family, my organization needs the decision to come, the action to impact.

I must take steps forward no matter how small.

If I’m not moving I’m often acting out of fear.

The Display of Fear-Avoid

Fear shows in many ways.

One way I’ve noticed it recently is in avoidance.

Avoiding going back to the gym because I’m afraid I won’t get any stronger.

Avoiding that conversation because the person might not like you.

Avoiding stepping out because it might not work.

I know in my gut when fear is driving my avoidance. I’m going to try to fight that fear more often by labeling it, then doing something creative about it.