Happy Friday Friends!
I hope & trust this post finds you having a great day as a beautiful new day prepares to dawn on the Texas Gulf Coast.
This morning I want to share a couple of short thoughts, hopefully translated into actions, with you.
The radio station I listen to in the mornings as I drive my 45 minutes to work makes "Awesome Calls." People will call or write in and ask that the on air personalities call someone and exclaim "You. Are. Awesome!" They will then go on to tell the person why a family member or friend wanted them to call and tell this person they are awesome. It must be dust, allergies or somethin as my eyes always start leakin as I listen to the stories of the things these people do, and the expression of gratitude expressed by another. :) The funny thing is, these people aren't doing anything necessarily "heroic." They are showing up and doing life with another. They are there to meet a need. They do the very best they can every day. And the other person takes time to notice.
So I am going to go two ways with this today:
1. I wish I had the opportunity to observe every person who will read this message so I could take a minute and tell you how awesome you are. You see, I don't necessarily know you personally however I know you do awesome things. You are a husband, wife or partner who shows up and does the best you can for your significant other every day. Or perhaps your the parent who daily strives to love, value, cherish & adore the precious little soul who has been entrusted to you. Or maybe your the friend who simply offers the sweet smile to the friend who is going through a particularly difficult season of life. Or, you could be the person that smiles at a complete stranger, simply saying through that smile that, "I see you and you matter." Bottom line is, You. Are. Awesome!
Please don't fight for your faults, failures & weaknesses. Yes, they exist...they exist for us all. But so does your awesomeness! While it is good to continue to strive to become the best versions of ourselves daily, it does no good, for yourself or anyone else, for you to continually fight for your faults. Accept it Friend; "You. Are. Awesome!"
2. Please take a moment today and tell someone, "You. Are. Awesome!" It really is true that we find what we are looking for. Let's spend time today seeking the awesomeness in others and then tell them they are awesome and tell them why we think so. The last part is critical. In a world that has grown increasingly superficial, it is imperative that the person know that you are being authentic in your recognition of their awesomeness. So please don't just leave it with, "You. Are. Awesome!" Take the next step and say, "You. Are. Awesome! Every day you smile/your there/you help any way you can...." or whatever it may be. Neither one of you will regret it if you will actually take a moment to put yourself out there.
I am really fortunate. When I work out in the morning I get to listen to Focus on The Family. I tell my Beautiful Bride I must need a lot of help cause it's like I go to church 6 days a week, counting Sundays! :) Yesterday morning the guest was Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician. She was talking about Dads and the importance of Dads. There was so many great things that were discussed however 1, no make that 2, things really stuck with me.
I have a heart for men, husbands, fathers...a desire to encourage, empower & equip them to become the best they are capable of becoming. I guess at the end of the day I really just want them to get in the game! So many families are completely broken because men refuse to rise up and be, well, men. We get caught up in having to be perfect or chasing...something other than our wives and children. I tell you this because I think this shapes why I was so struck by the two statements.
The first one had to do with the presence of Dad. We have heard the alarming statistics of the difference in the lives of children with the Dad in the home and those where the Dad is absent. If you haven't heard/seen these statistics, Google it. They are alarming. Here is the thing that Meg clarified yesterday; it isn't about the Dad being a good or bad Dad, it's about the Dad simply being there. Think about that for a second...Wow! By simply being present, physically, a Dad can completely alter the trajectory of their child's life. I truly don't know what else to say...
As a Dad who is well aware of my many faults & failures, the second statement was equally profound to me. She said, "Your kids want whatever you have to give." It wasn't a list of, "You need to do this or that." It was the recognition that we are all broken however what your children want, what they desperately need, is the very best that you can give them today...wherever you are in life. Please hear this Dads! You don't need to be perfect! There is not a to do list! Please just give your kids the very best you that you have to give today. Again, please stop fighting for your faults, failures & weaknesses...just love them the best you can love them today. That's what your kids want. That's what your kids desperately need. God, love, mercy & grace will take care of the rest.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families.
Kev
No comments:
Post a Comment