I wonder if I’m alone in this…
Many times throughout my life, I have had grand ideas of making a difference in the world. I’ve published web sites and spread the word about global prayer. I have spoken to congregations about creating positive change. I write this blog, and the weekly Inspirations From Give Away A Dollar A Day, for lots of folks to be energized by.
That’s all good. Very good.
But what if I do all of this inspiration for others outside of my family, only to come home and be crabby to the ones who love me unconditionally?
Sometimes life works the best when things are kept simple. So today, instead of trying real hard to make a difference in the world, I think I want to make a difference with my own family, right here at home.
If this rings just the tiniest bit true for you, will you join me today by giving unconditionally to the ones you love most, right in your own home?
Blessings, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Todd
6 Comments
Write a Comment»Hi Todd
What a great post.
I remember playing a coporate training game in the mid 90′s. It was an Eagles Flight game. The object of the game was to find a way for every team to get all of their required treasures to live happily ever after. And for every team to release all of their weapons. There were 12 teams each having a different amount of treasures but none that they required to be happy. The trick was that you could only communicate with 6 teams. Every team had a list of 6 different teams they could communicate with.
I had played another training game with this same company a year previous. I knew there was a way to win. A little trick. A person on my team had a idea on how to do this but wasn’t willing to go forth and try.
I grab his idea and went out and talked to whoever I was allowed to in order to spread this idea. After a few minutes in the community we had to go back to our home team to strategize. After a few rounds people on my team weren’t moving fast enough(probably I wasn’t able to explain properly) for my liking and so I became a one man wrecking crew. I was doing everything in my powers in order for the community to realize the end goal.
Needless to say I was able to convince everyone to put all the treasures in the middle of the room. Then as every team picked out their needed treasures they were to drop their weapons. And the whole group won.
After a few seconds of joy I realized I had to go home. To a team that I demoralized. To a team that didn’t want to talk with me. Even be near me.
I explained that in the debriefing in front of everyone. However I will always remember that ride home. It was quiet and cold. You see on my team was my significant other and her mother. Ouch!
I am finally learning that lesson. My dream will only be truly realized if I don’t upset the apple cart at home. They are a part of the whole dream. But it will mean nothing if they don’t enjoy the ride.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Learning…Enjoying…Sharing
David
Thank you David, for sharing your story, too.
Yesterday, I started out being crabby and feeling sorry for myself, and quickly realized how inwardly focused I was being. It was easier for me to see that I needed to change that focus right away because it was Thanksgiving, but I also know that this is something I strive for every single day.
Blessings,
Todd
Hey Todd,
Great post mate!
It’s all about bringing home the bacon.
Not just the buckos, but the brilliance that you are, and the love that you are made of.
Thank you for sharing your brilliance and love, so candidly and openly.
Hugs and Whoooo Yah!
Twenty Twenty
http://www.2020unleashed.com
Mr. 2020,
Thank you for your heart felt comment, and… thank you for your wisdom that you bless me and so many with!
Blessings,
Todd
Hey Todd,
You’ve hit the nail on the top of its very painful head with this one. I have experienced this a number of times myself and I think most families do.
Like you said, the ones you come home to love you unconditionally. As a result, it can be very easy to break down and not worry about the consequences. Once or twice that’s probably not a super big deal, but over a lifetime that can really wear on people.
Thank you for reminding us all that we need to cherish those people who stick with us “for better or worse” and not constantly test their ability to live up to the second part of that phrase.
Blessings to you Todd.
Thank you Chris,
You captured the essence of this tremendously. I still do struggle with this from time to time. And, I thank my lucky stars for Give Away A Dollar A Day, because it is my reminder – that gentle, soft spoken nudge – that giving to those who love me is about the most important thing I could be doing right now.
Blessings to you, Chris, I always enjoy hearing from you,
Todd