As grandparents, my wife and I have two entirely different tacks when it comes to playing games with our grandchildren. For me, I never win–they know they are going to win when they play against papa. My goal is to affirm them and let them experience winning. Sonja takes a little different approach…she doesn’t mind … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Failure
Doing something you’ve never done before.
“I’ve been an observer of people all my life, and I’ve noticed that most people are pretty passive about their lives. An indication of this is that when asked to describe significant regrets in their lives, eight out of ten people focus on actions they did not take rather than actions they did. In other … Continue reading
Just one time
It is reported that Thomas Edison endured 10,000 failed experiments while trying to invent the light bulb. When asked how it felt to have failed 10,000 time he replied, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” I’ve always liked that story and it is a reminded of an important principle: … Continue reading
Unnecessary failure
“For few things are more ignominious than failing at something that was not worth doing in the first place.” _Os Guinness, The Call, pg. 150 Henry and Richard Blackaby, in their book, Spiritual Leadership, writes: “In 1924, George Leigh Mallory, a British schoolmaster and socialite, determined he would ascend the as-yet unconquered peak of Mount … Continue reading
It’s the journey that matters…
Living in the moment is fine when things are going well. And the truth is, at any given moment you could be doing very well. On the other hand, you could also be doing pretty badly. So remember, in the moments of this day, it is the journey, and finishing that journey, that matters. Live … Continue reading
Hauling Trash
A funny thing happened to me the other day. I’m blessed to be able to walk to work and a few days ago I was about halfway to the office and noticed that I was carrying a full trash bag! I had originally planned to drop the trash bag off at the trash bin as … Continue reading
One of the most important things my dad ever said to me.
My heart was deeply sadden this morning when I heard the official news that a very influential and visible mega-church pastor had been dismissed from his church because of a moral failure. The only recourse I see is to fervently pray for this dear man and his family and his church family. However, when I heard … Continue reading
Getting Ready for a Better Year: Can you be more than you are now?
Some labels stick with you forever; once the deed is done it can’t be undone. Every time you look at yourself in the mirror you may be reminded of what you’ve done or what has been done to you. Every time you look at that empty chair you may be reminded of who you’ve lost … Continue reading
A list of failures
How I will face each day – I will do the work that a failure and undisciplined person will not do. _Og Mandino, The World’s Greatest Salesman This may be a little counterintuitive, but I suggest you start a (very private) list of losers and failures and review that list regularly. I started this years ago … Continue reading
Big People and Little People
2 Kings 9:11 (NKJV) “As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” Big people have had at least one big failure (usually many). They are humble, they are patient, they are merciful toward others—especially people who are struggling and who have failed. They understand because … Continue reading