I’m _____ and Counting!
Life marches on. The impact we make will be determined by: who we are, how we think, what we do and who we do it for as we march. Here are some thoughts from John Maxwell and others.
What is the Right Answer?
You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:
1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your small car?
The answer? At the end of the page.
John’s list of ten things to do before 40:
1. Know yourself,
2. Settle your family life,
3. Determine your priorities,
4. Develop your philosophy,
5. Get physically fit,
6. Learn your trade,
7. Pay the price (sacrifice),
8. Develop strong relationships,
9. Prepare for the future, and
10. Find God’s will.
Jackie Robinson said, “A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.” “People will summarize your life in one sentence – Pick it now!” “Though you cannot go back and make a brand new start, my friend. Anyone can start from now, and make a brand new end.”
John’s list of the ten most important lessons he’s learned:
1. The naiveness of youth and its potential. Pearl S. Buck said, “The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible – and achieve it, generation after generation.”
2. The hot poker principle. Stay close to the people and things that keep you passionate.
3. Stay with my strengths.
4. Appreciate the differences of people.
5. The importance of leadership. (I thought he would probably put that one in there J.)
6. The value of daily disciplines.
7. A true definition of success. Success is knowing my purpose in life, growing to my maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.
8. To take time for myself.
9. The benefits of adversity.
10. God’s goodness and grace over me.
How do we make an impact on others?
1. Choose today the legacy you want to leave others.
2. Live today the legacy you want to leave. 50 people over the age of 95 were asked one question, “If you could live your life over again, what would you do differently? Three top answers emerged: I would reflect more, I would risk more, and I would do more things that would live on after I am dead.
3. Appreciate today the value of a good legacy. Elton Trueblood wrote, “We have made at least a start in discovering the meaning in human life when we plant shade trees under which we know full well we will never sit.”
The right answer? I would give my car keys to my old friend to drive the sick lady to the hospital. I stay at the bus stop with the one I’ve been dreaming about.
Dan Bickel
Wisconsin District Superintendent
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