“He that knows least commonly presumes most.” Thomas FullerI’ll be the first to admit I’ve had that knee-jerk reaction more than once. An announcement is made. A list of FAQs is published, but it raises more questions than it answers. So I tend to fill in the blanks with assumptions until more information is available. And in all those examples, I’m certain I’ve never jumped to the conclusion that everything is going to be wonderful. Recently I was in a meeting where I was the one leading the change. A single piece of information slipped out before we were able to do a detailed communication of the change. Others responded just as I might have if I were in their shoes. They assumed the worst and reacted out of fear of the unknown. At that point we went into damage control which put us back weeks in our progress. From that experience I learned: I may not be able to control change communications that happen to me, but I can control change communications that come from me. Having now been on both sides of poor communications, I’m committed to be sensitive and exceedingly careful when I communicate potential change. How many times have reacted negatively to a change announcement? Do you ever need to communicate news that you suspect will not be received well? How will you give (or receive) an announcement in the future that will shed a more positive note on the topic?
What are your thoughts?
Libby Note: Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) an English author and historian known best for his book published after his death in 1662, Worthies of England. He was a prolific writer, one of the first English authors able to live by his pen (and his many patrons).
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“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” T.S. EliotSo often I hesitate unsure of God’s will for a given situation or a project I’m about to start. But if I would trust God to withhold His help if it’s not His will for me, or to support it with His grace for success when it is in His will for me, then I might be more willing to tackle great tasks for God’s kingdom. I wouldn’t be crippled by thoughts of, “I’m not able to…” or “Who am I to do…?” In all honesty, I don’t have to wait. There are at least two projects hovering in the back of my mind that are waiting for just such a step of faith. I will commit to you – my readers – right now, that I will tackle one of these projects today. It may be a while before I see where it goes and whether God either removed obstacles or closes doors. But I will report back to you when I learn. Until then…. Are you struggling with taking risks? Is there a task hovering just outside your conscious thoughts trying to get your attention? What will you do this week to take a step of faith and see if God opens the way to success? Lord, thank you for quotes that inspire and encourage me to go beyond my comfort zone and into a new realm of grace and blessing. Amen “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 What are your thoughts? Libby
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Henri J.M. NouwenI will always remember this as my most unselfish prayer. My father had lung cancer. He lived with me in his last days. That Sunday morning was especially difficult when I prayed, “God, he’s suffered enough, please take him home this morning.” Grief has a way of mixing multiple emotions until they are indistinguishable. But one think I remember clearly was thanking God for answered prayer, right down to the timing. My father was no longer in pain; he was in the presence of God. But through my thankfulness to God and peace that he was no longer in pain, I was still wracked with the most severe grief I’d even known.
Are you struggling with emotions that are dragging you down? Have you looked for things to be grateful for, despite your circumstances? What can you do right now to replace your reliance on emotions with a choice to be grateful? Lord, thank You for one of the most memorable days of my life. Today, instead of a painful memory I look back and treasure those last minutes with my father. I still miss him terribly but thankfully I no longer suffer from grief...thank You. Amen Note: Henri J.M. Nouwen (1932-1996) a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer and theologian interested in psychology, pastoral ministry, social justice and community. He taught at University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School and Harvard Divinity School before going on to work with intellectually and developmentally disabled at the L’Arche Daybreak community in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
“It is easier to confess a defect than to claim a quality.” Max Beerbohm
This is a tough one because I don’t always recognize when I’m doing it. So I’ve turned it over to God and asked for Him to show me when I’m copping to a fault just to keep the peace. Then I ask God to help me be more honest and genuine in my responses. Are you familiar with your character defects? Can you graciously accept a compliment? What can you do today that will help you identify and work on your weaker qualities, and better own your good qualities?
Max's Self-Caricature
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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July 2019
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