LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Connection doesn't happen on its own. You have to design your gatherings for the kinds of connections you want to create." Priya Parker

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

This month, I'm going to dive into a few quotes from Priya Parker, the author of the book, The Art of Gathering. I've been talking about this book for the past few months, and I thought I'd choose a couple of her quotes on the importance of gathering together just to encourage you to explore the book more deeply.

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

I love the line of Parkers quote above that begins with: "Connection doesn't just happen on it's own."

That is so true! I think that sometimes we assume that we only need to invite people in, and the rest will just happen.

In her book, The Art of Gathering, she really spends the book talking about being INTENTIONAL. Sometimes her words are so obvious, but I found myself relating so much to my lack of intentionality and the lack of effort.

Getting people in the room is just part of the event. Getting people to truly connect with each other is a whole other issue.

I remember an event I was leading a couple of years ago, and this young guy on my team came to me with an idea to help people connect. My first reaction was, "this will never work." I knew the Community, and I didn't think they'd respond well to being pushed out of their comfort zone. However, after thinking about it, I gave the guy a green light, and he did his thing, pushing people to engage in genuine conversation in a room of over 200 people. The results? People Loved It! They engaged, they enjoyed it, they commented on it, they built new relationships and they had fun.

I had to realize how many times I haven't tried new things because I didn't think this could ever work! (Good call Austin!)

Helping people truly connect takes being intentional but it also means taking some risk.

How have meetings you've attended been INTENTIONAL in helping people connect?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"The way we gather matters. Gatherings consume our days and help determine the kind of world we live in, in both our intimate and public realms. Gathering - the conscious bringing together of people for a reason - shapes the way we think, feel, and make sense of our world." Priya Parker

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

This month, I'm going to dive into a few quotes from Priya Parker, the author of the book, The Art of Gathering. I've been talking about this book for the past few months, and I thought I'd choose a couple of her quotes on the importance of gathering together just to encourage you to explore the book more deeply.

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

I've always understood the importance of bringing people together. I've been doing that my whole life: meetings, gala's, special dinners, celebrations, outreach events, leadership teams, church, young people, teams, sports events, community groups and on and on.

Much of my job is about connecting with people.

Parkers quote above is something that is just resonating with me: "The way we gather matters."

While much of my life has been about gathering people together, I wish I could say that most of my energy went into planning these gatherings.

Sadly, as I look back at the thousands of opportunities, I realize that I didn't always put my best work into it.

I remember one time as a brand new youth pastor, I probably had been on the job for 4 weeks. I was riding my motorcycle down the road, on the way to a youth group meeting, and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do. For the past 3 weeks, I had given them the 3 Bible Studies I had in my pocket, I had pulled out some games, and I had basically "winged it", and now, just a month into the job I realized that I needed to plan and prepare what would happen. I was just 21 years old and I remember thinking to myself, "I'm in trouble!".

I have not idea what I did that night, and I'm pretty sure no ones life was changed because of the words I shared, whatever they were.

I regret that I had a room full of a couple of hundred young people and I didn't think it important enough to prepare something for them that would minister to them and challenge them in their faith.

Gratefully I learned the importance of a team, I learned how to plan and prepare and I learned to prioritize my time and energy to fulfill the basic purpose of my job! Oh to have those opportunities back....

As we explore these quotes and thoughts this month, I want to challenge you to think about your NEXT GATHERING. Think about the next time you're going to bring people together around a purpose, and simply ask yourself some questions that bubble up through this conversation and let's see what happens along the way.

Think about a gathering you attended that impacted you, or created a moment to remember?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

This month we've been talking about PACE, and I want to leave you with this last quote today.

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

It's interesting that I would write about PACE while in a really busy couple of weeks.

Once again, this weekly blogpost is much more about me and what God is teaching me than it is about anyone who might read this.

Friday evening, Gina and I went on a walk at the beach. It was a wonderful end to a very full week, and as we walked, we just enjoyed the beauty. We saw dolphins swimming, we saw rain clouds in the distance, we saw surfers in the water, we saw the sun setting and the glorious images of light through the clouds on the water. It was beautiful.

It was also life-giving. Walking with her, taking that in, slowing our pace to get out of our routine, it's so healing.

When I think about this quote from Emerson, here's what I'm thinking:

• If I would just slow down, notice the things around me, see God's beauty in everything, breathe deeply, then I could understand what the "pace of nature" is all about.

• If I could learn to be patient, to not rush things, to not power through things, to learn to pause, to learn to wait, then I could understand what pace is really all about.

• If I might understand that this isn't a SECRET! Everyone talks about pace, everyone talks about the impact of a hurried life yet we keep moving and increasing our pace. It's not a secret!

I hope that this month as you've looked at these quotes and thoughts on PACE, you've been challenged and encouraged to look deeper into your own pace and the motivations for how you do life.

Funny thing... I received more comments from the post on September 16th when I shared, "I'm pausing today to catch my breath and find my pace". People sharing that they felt the same way.

Don't ignore it. Find your PACE. Look at nature to find and understand the secret. It's all around us!

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"There is more to life than increasing its speed." Mahatma Gandhi

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

September is here, and if you're like me, it came with a bit of SHOCK. How can it be September? I've been thinking about the idea of PACE. Back a couple of months ago, I spent some time on RHYTHM, and I realize that PACE is different. I'm going to dive into it this month. Join me...

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

Last week, I just needed to stop. I was in the midst of busy 14-day stretch, and I sat down to write and there was nothing there.

For years, I've learned to power through these times, working my list, getting stuff down, pushing beyond my normal limits, and this thought from Gandhi just hit me: "There's more to life than increasing its speed".

It's not always about producing and getting things done. Yes, there are going to be busy times, but for years, I've come to realize that one busy time just runs into the next.

"There's more to life..."

Last week, I still had to push through some things, but there were a number of moments where I was able to recalibrate along the way...

• A deep conversation with a colleague in Kansas City

• A long walk in an airport terminal just to move, think and wander

• A few hours on a stream in Colorado fly fishing

• A long drive through the mountains with Gina

• The quiet of my office early in the morning before anyone else was up

• Playing with my grandkids

• Spending time with good friends

Even when I pause to write about it, what I felt was that I was just running full steam, from one thing to another, missing any opportunity for real connection or purpose, yet as I look back, these past 14 days have been sprinkled with moments that have sustained me, fueled me and reminded me that it's not always about the list or the things I need to get done. It's these moments, these connections that mean so much.

That's what Gandhi was talking about. Forget about the increased production, the accomplishments and the latest technology.

Find what the "more to life" is for me today!

Look back at your last 14 days. What moments can you find littered among the accomplishments that remind you of that "more to life" idea?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Today, I'm pausing to catch my breath and find my pace." Russ Cline

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

September is here, and if you're like me, it came with a bit of SHOCK. How can it be September? I've been thinking about the idea of PACE. Back a couple of months ago, I spent some time on RHYTHM, and I realize that PACE is different. I'm going to dive into it this month. Join me...

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

It's been a very full 11 days, and today I'm simply going to pause to catch my breath, and then restart at my pace.

Sometimes I just need to do that.

When was the last time you just stopped or paused in order to catch your breath?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Every flower blooms at a different pace." Suzy Kassem

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

September is here, and if you're like me, it came with a bit of SHOCK. How can it be September? I've been thinking about the idea of PACE. Back a couple of months ago, I spent some time on RHYTHM, and I realize that PACE is different. I'm going to dive into it this month. Join me...

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

The quote by Kassem above was really just a reminder that while every flower blooms different, we as people are all different as well.

As we talk about PACE, I think one of the biggest pressure points comes to each of us as we compare ourselves to others, thinking that we need to all move at the same pace, whether that be a slow pace or a fast pace.

Recently I was having breakfast with a small group of people, and as we ate and talked, we moved through our breakfast all differently. Some focused on eating first, and then engaged in conversation. One was completely focused on engaging with others that he didn't even begin to eat until most of us were through. Other's kind of ate and talked and moved through the meal together. All different approaches, all fine, but we are different.

I realized that for me, I ate quickly, anticipating a deeper and more engaging conversation after the meal over a cup of coffee. Now as I think about it, I was probably more focused on the food in front of me than the people in front of me, but my motivation was to "eat and then talk". Just thinking about this will cause me to consider what's going on around the table the next time we gather.

That's pace. We're all different because of the way we were raised, because of the ways we approach different situations, because of how we've learned.

At the meal, had I said to everyone, "OK, let's all eat first, then we can begin our conversation", that would have bothered some who viewed the meal as a complete experience, mixing food and conversation together. They valued the opportunity to do both at the same time.

Thinking back to this quote, and thinking about my back yard, I'm glad flowers all bloom at different times. This means that my yards is constantly changing and that when one flower fades, another one blooms.

In the same way, I'm glad that as people we all have a different pace, but I also realize that I need to become more aware of that, and instead of focusing on MY PACE, I need to bring other people's pace into consideration and not assume they will always move with me.

What would your pace be at that breakfast table: Eat first, then talk? Eat and talk at the same time? Talk and then eat?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Do things at your own pace. Life's not a race." Unknown

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

September is here, and if you're like me, it came with a bit of SHOCK. How can it be September? I've been thinking about the idea of PACE. Back a couple of months ago, I spent some time on RHYTHM, and I realize that PACE is different. I'm going to dive into it this month. Join me...

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

The quote above has been spoken and shared by many people from many different contexts, and it's simply a reminder that each of us need to set our own pace. We're told that "life's not a race", but I'm not sure any of us really believe that.

We live our lives running from one thing to the next, and while we've identified some RHYTHM to our lives, we haven't clarified the PACE.

You see, they're different.

Rhythm can be defined as a "flow" of events, patterns or events, that come and go at various speeds.

PACE on the other hand is the "speed" at which these things unfold. Pace defines the speed and the intensity that I move through.

PACE and RHYTHM are connected, but they are different.

Here's a simple way I can illustrate it:

RHYTHM is me walking everyday. Typically about 6 miles, but walking is a part of the rhythm of my life, and when I don't move everyday, it affects other aspects of my life, because while I'm walking, I'm doing other things that are really important: listening, praying, thinking, quiet.

PACE is the intensity that I walk. I walk at a comfortable pace of about 16 minutes for one mile. At this pace, I'm able to do the things that are most important, again: listening, praying, thinking, quiet.

When I increase my walking pace just a little bit to a 13 or 14 minute mile, I feel a difference. I'm breathing differently, I'm not able to think as clearly, and I then realize that I'm focused on the speed at which I'm walking.

I know there are people who can do this, while walking or running, but I've found for me it doesn't work.

The RHYTHM for me is movement, it's getting out on a trail or on a long walk, and it's something I fight for and work form. I need this rhythm in my life because of the value it brings me.

Having a fast PACE isn't important to me. I'm not trying to race anybody, and it's not just about getting a certain distance in every day.

BUT....

This is why PACE messes up RHYTHMS. When we're running from one thing to the next, when we're living at an unsustainable pace, it affects everything. Defining a healthy pace is really important.

Thus the quote: "Do things at your own pace." What's your PACE look like? What has it become?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Every moment is a fresh beginning." T.S. Eliot

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

It's August and this month I'm going to dive into the topic of REGRET. I don't know what the word REGRET triggers in you, but I want to drag you along with me this month by looking at some quotes on regret, sharing some resources, and just thinking about what that means in our lives.

Remember, you can always go back to see past posts and more positive themes that we've addressed on the website HERE.

But journey with me....

T.S. Eliot reminds us here of the simple truth, that "every moment is a fresh beginning." Aren't you glad for that?

Aren't you glad that we don't have to relive all of our mistakes?

Aren't you glad that we can start fresh?

Aren't you glad that sometimes we get to do things again and do them better?

Aren't you glad that we aren't defined by our past, but that we have the opportunity to redefine ourselves over and over again, learning as we grow, becoming more and more like the person God has created us and called us to be?

Aren't you glad?

We've been talking about REGRET this past month, and this will be the last post on this, and it's simply a reminder that you don't have to live being stuck in regret.

I recently listened to a podcast on Walt Disney and all of the struggles he had before he launch Disneyland, which turned out to be a major success, both here in Southern California and around the world.

There were many times that he could have quit, times where he put everything on the line, and to his story, he was able to see his dream become a reality.

There are many others who struggled over and over again, making mistake after mistake, wanting to quit, yet they kept going until something clicked.

I think the overarching reminder from this conversation with regret is to simply keep moving, don't let things paralyze you, realized that everyone makes mistakes and everyone struggles at one point or another.

You are not alone.

Today, what does it feel like to start fresh, to have a new beginning without looking back and comparing everything to what happened in your past?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Do it or don't do it - you will regret both." Soren Kierkegaard

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

It's August and this month I'm going to dive into the topic of REGRET. I don't know what the word REGRET triggers in you, but I want to drag you along with me this month by looking at some quotes on regret, sharing some resources, and just thinking about what that means in our lives.

Remember, you can always go back to see past posts and more positive themes that we've addressed on the website HERE.

But journey with me....

I'm don't want to dive into all of the teachings and perspectives of Soren Kierkegaard, but when I saw his words above, I agreed with him.

I remember a time when I was younger that I had to choose between 3 job offers. I did all the normal things that people should do, and I was really seeking peace in the decision we would make. Looking back, I think my biggest hesitation was REGRET. I was more worried about making the wrong decision, worried that I would regret the decision I made instantly, that I was PARALYZED for a moment.

Have you ever felt that? Completely stuck, unable to make a decision, unable to move forward. Fearful. Confused. Unsure.

That's what I was feeling and I went back and forth, landing on one job one day and another the next, weighing the pros and cons, praying for guidance while at the same time, leaning on my own instincts.

It was a really confusing time, until I was reminded of something my dad had encouraged me with...

I don't remember when he told me this, but he had challenged me to always focus on what I'm being called to, not what I might be running away from.

Remembering this changed my posture, and I've shared this with many people over the years.

When you play the "what if I make the wrong decision" game, you'll always be stuck, you'll always have regret, and you'll often fall back on the idea of "what if I had made a different decision".

I think this is what Kierkegaard was saying... either way, regret can creep in.

The difference for me is that I have someone who is leading me, and all I have to do is recognize His voice, put my faith in Him, and trust that He's going to lead me where He wants me to be.

In my crazy job selection process, Gina and I finally heard that voice clearly, and we made a decision that changed our lives. Some people thought we were crazy, others couldn't understand it, and at times we even doubted ourselves, but the call was clear. No regret.

That doesn't mean that things were perfect. If just means that we were in the right spot.

What do you do when you feel like there's no right decision and you're stuck? What helps you navigate through the process of coming to a decision?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done." Lucille Ball

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

It's August and this month I'm going to dive into the topic of REGRET. I don't know what the word REGRET triggers in you, but I want to drag you along with me this month by looking at some quotes on regret, sharing some resources, and just thinking about what that means in our lives.

Remember, you can always go back to see past posts and more positive themes that we've addressed on the website HERE.

But journey with me....

I listen to a lot of podcasts, and especially enjoy business stories. 2 of my favorite podcasts are How I Built This with Guy Raz, and the second is The Best Idea Yet by Nick and Jack. Both podcasts tell the stories behind the business, one in an interview format and the other simply digging in for the "untold" story.

I don't know why I enjoy listening to these so much, but I know that it inspires me, encourages me, gives me ideas and keeps my brain working! Sometimes I marvel at a story and the good luck that came with it as well as the hard work and persistence, but every once in a while, a little "regret" slips in.

As I hear these stories of business challenge and success, I find myself wondering, "what if I had kept working on that idea that I had"? Would I be living a different life today?

Let's see...

• There was the scrap paper sales on the Y in Ecuador, back before people were selling stuff on the street.

• There was the scarf importing business in college that had potential to put a scarf on the neck of every man, woman and child on planet earth, or at least those that went to the Sunday Swap Meet in Azusa.

• There was the lawn business, mowing lawns in the desert of homes that were up for sale.

• There was the coffee business, on multiple fronts, that had so much potential.

I could probably keep going, but I've been an aspiring entrepreneur since my first job mowing lawns in my neighborhood, probably at 9 years of age.

It would be easy to spend time thinking, "What if?"

• What if I had stuck with that idea?

• What if I had purchased that stock then?

• What if I had not settled and worked harder?

• What if I had gone to a different school?

The "what ifs" will keep coming.

It's easy to get caught in this spiral and spend a lot of time and energy thinking about what might have happened had we done something different.

The quote above talks about that...

I don't regret any of my great "business ideas" because at the time in my life, they served a purpose in my growth and development, and I also don't regret walking away from a couple of these ideas that had potential.

What about you? What do you spend time thinking about or wondering about.... "if only I would have...."