“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” Henry David Thoreau

Good morning and happy Thursday. I am super excited, getting my 12 metal stitches out this morning. Also meeting with 2 different Dr.s to discuss brain surgery. I am slowly becoming a little more open to the idea. Hopefully I will have a little better understanding later today. Just a couple of simple thoughts this morning before I get going.

I have journals and journals full of random thoughts I have played around with for years and years. This one from Thoreau, I wrote down on 9/01/18. “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” This is a fascinating idea. I have begun to realize over the years the way I choose to focus on anything is a game changer.

I believe there was a time in my life when looking at myself or others, I was focusing on what was wrong. There is some false idea and false security that if I see and understand what is wrong with myself and everyone else, some how that empowers me or makes me better. I don’t believe that works or in any way helps others. I want to be “somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.”

I don’t believe it is healthy to be blind to what is wrong in our lives. I also believe it is very unhealthy is all we focus on is what is unhealthy and wrong with ourselves and everybody else. I have been blessed to work with broken people for the last 30 years. My focus has shifted so much. I see their brokenness and how it has created some challenges, but what I began to experience more and more was the amazing beauty, bravery, resilience and courage that so many people live.

Leading Re:generation that last 5 years was a beautiful example of this idea. My leaders would begin to share their story and the model was like this. Part 1 was sharing the pain and brokenness. Sometimes that pain was inflicted by loved ones and family members. Sometimes the pain was self-inflicted by their own bad choices. Part 2 was beginning the healing process, taking responsibility for their lives, choices and actions. Part 3 was experiencing the reality of God’s love and grace. Beginning to understand, they were greatly loved and valued and then they began to help others experience that same reality. My heart over the years has shifted too, “be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody!!!”

So much personal growth, leadership, relationship and evolving into more is wrapped around learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I have watched pastors and therapists for years stay so focused on everyone else’s issues and problems because it somehow, in a false way makes them feel more comfortable. This is deceptive. Learning to be more conformable with my own discomfort has helped me sit with others brokenness and have very little or no judgement.

So, as Thoreau said, “it’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” You matter, your life matters. We live in a broken, fallen world and with that comes some very real challenges and sometimes pain. I have learned and continue to see that in every situation there is also beauty, grace, joy and life in some way. I am committed to being “somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.” A brain tumor and potential death in no way challenges that. In fact, for me it simply highlights, reminds me and can help me focus on this reality. You matter, your life matters and you each have some unique gifts and talents that the world needs to experience.

Have a great last day of 2020 and I am excited about a new year and a new opportunity to go make a little difference in the world!

Peace,