Good morning Team! It’s Friday!

We’re all searching for something, aren’t we?
•Love
•Purpose
•Satisfaction
•The next adrenaline rush
•A big pile of money
•The adoration of people who’s opinion we are concerned with

Maybe it’s more simple than that…

•A daily hug
•A kind word
•A friendly smile
•A walk down memory lane when things were different, less complicated (or we were more distracted by the immediate needs of the day)

In my [more] extensive [than I had ever planned on] travels in the past couple of years, I’ve become a graduate student of people. The behaviors are similar under most circumstances. They, meaning me and most others I sense, react negatively to the harsh weather conditions, they all smile and wave at too-young-to-speak toddlers who wave at them, they grimace at the long bathroom lines when there’s no time to spare or the inconveniences thrust upon them … because this world is harsh.

I was talking with a friend in faith the other day who suggested I ask God to show me what I am to him. My prayer, “God, who am I to you? What did you design me to do in my time here on earth? What is your will for me?”

*Now, I’m guessing he did not design me to be a really good employee just so I’m making my employer gobs of money.
He may have designed me to be a leader who shares a vision that compels people to do their best, lift their chin, and add value to clients and coworkers though.

*I’m pretty sure he didn’t design me to hoard and gorge and surround myself with every material comfort so I can pacify my earthly existence and create distractions. However, I think he designed me to create purpose, opportunity for myself and others. To share his riches, to give…willingly, of time and talents and financial means. To trust his will.

*He likely did not design me to whine about my circumstances. But he did design me to be grateful in all things, even the miserable times when I want to drop everything and start over.

I just finished the book by Dr Henry Cloud called “Necessary Endings”. Note: He also wrote “Integrity” and I’ve recommended that book to many leaders and future leaders. Good stuff.

Dr Cloud challenges the reader to assess what trimester of depleted situation you might be in and what you’re planning to do about it. Rather than being miserable or being lulled into a sense of numbness, framing your situation with a stage of finality might be the best way to look at it. One thing I’m learning is that it may not be a black and white ending but maybe a time to change course.

For instance:
If you are in a relationship that has become void of joy, mutual benefit or happiness…you can walk away or you can reinvest. Either way, you’re putting an end to a depleted downward spiral and seeking to reinvigorate your commitment. This might be with an employer, a friend or a spouse. Don’t be fooled by the title or take the easy route. Say “No more” to unsustainable conditions and say “Yes” to a new start. It is your choice if that includes a change of address, email or simply … attitude.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, in this world has value if you didn’t earn it. For instance, how many lottery winners consider themselves lucky even a few years after they “win”? Most die broke and miserable.

Pulling it all together: We all make choices everyday that affect our future. Where do you put your time, your resources, your heart?

As we seek happiness, we figure out way too late in life that you must give it away to get it back with dividends.
Transfer that emotion you feel when an unconditional, almost unconscious reaction from a toddler smiling and waving makes you feel. Don’t hoard it, don’t let your adulthood get in the way. Pass it on. Let your heart breathe.

God gave you this day.
God gave you everything you have.
God tested your resolve with the trials and tribulations that may have forced some Necessary Endings. It was a gift. You’re not being punished, you’re being awakened. You’re being beckoned to pay closer attention to the blessings slapping you in the face on a daily, if not hourly basis.
Wake up.
Be grateful.
Give away your joy and prepare to receive it ten fold.

Have a blessed weekend!