Solitude

This week was unusually hectic and busy. We're in the midst of some transition as we gear up for the launch of our fall programming. In the midst of all the busyness I was reminded of Dr. Luke's words in Luke 5:16. "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (NIV). Jesus, busy as he was, often pulled away from the crowds of demanding people and lists of things to do and spent time in prayerful silence and purposeful slowing....

I've... got... to... remember... to... continually... practice... the disciplines of slowing, solitude, and silence.

It's in those moments that the dull roar of life ebbs enough so that I can hear the whispers of God more clearly. I'm convinced that if I practice these disciplines that it will help me hear those whispers even when the noise of life is ear-splitting loud.

Do you know what your strengths are?

I'm reading a great book that every leader should check out. This New York Times best seller, written by Tom Rath, is entitled "Strengths Finder." The book focuses on helping individuals identify their strengths and then in turn maximize them. It raises the point that people often focus incredible amounts of energy to become stronger and better in areas of weakness rather than strengthening, maximizing and celebrating the areas in which they are strong. While I do believe that we should continually work to become better and more balanced in all areas of our life, Rath does raise a valid point. I don't recommend ignoring your areas of weakness, in doing so you will probably become one of those rather difficult individuals whom no one desires to be around. But, what if you focused 80% of our time and energy strengthening and maximizing the areas that your strongest in? What kind of an impact could your life have? What kind of impact could my life have?

Along with the book comes an access code to a "strengths finder test," which helps you identify your own strengths. This was quite the telling exercise for me - nothing new, just reaffirming. The test alone may make the book worth it's purchase price.

May you identify your strengths and may you in turn allow God maximize them to build his kingdom.