Quick thoughts…I missed the intro, which is usually my favorite part.  Was it funny?

1. Ryan is on coke for sure.

2. They’ll some how bring Jan back.

3. Surely Toby isn’t gone…who will Michael make fun of?

4. Jim’s phone call to the security guard was priceless

Wow…life is crazy sometimes.  We just got back from small group, which we’ve been meeting for almost a year now, and it is amazing at the stuff that happens to people.  Whether it is a sick family member, sudden job issues, or uncertainty about the future, there are those things that happen in life that you can not explain in the moment.  We ask why.  We question God.  We feel alone.  And all of this is normal and I’d add, it okay.

The question is not whether you question why things happen, the question is, during the tough and uncertain times, does it make you bitter or better?  A great principle I’ve learned (but seldom apply) is that in every situation, you have the opportunity to learn something new, or reinforce something old.  In times of uncertainty, or even times of perfect clarity, God will continue to teach us, if we remain open to learning.

So, it’s okay to question when uncertain things happen.  If you think its “less spiritual” or “shows a lack of faith” or any other cheesy quotation stuff, then don’t read the Psalms, you’ll be upset. Psalm 143 is an amazing look into David’s heart as he is troubled at his current situation.  David questions and begs God for answers.  He admits he does not know which way to go, but this does not make him bitter.  It forces him to place his trust  [verse 8]  in God, which in the end will only make him better.

It has been a pretty overwhelming few weeks for me.  I’ve been learning, studying and taking in so much. From my time at Q in NYC, to talks with my wife, to today’s sermon at church.  I sometimes feel that I’ll never catch up. There’s just too much to learn. There’s too much to grasp.  In my quest to become a better husband, a better friend, a better leader, a better communicator, a better writer, a better musician, and a better wii baseball player, I have a hard time dealing with slow growth.

The problem with our world today is that we usually only see those we respect or admire when they are hitting on all cylinders. We watch Tiger win on Sunday, but we didn’t watch him practice all during the week.  We listen to our pastor deliver an incredible sermon, but we don’t watch his hours of study time.  We watch a couple with a great marriage, but we don’t see all the little things over many years that enable the greatness.   The question I have to ask myself is Am I willing to do what it takes to be great in those areas?  So what does it take to be great?  Time, talent, skill, work, education, knowledge, wisdom, experience? What do you think?

Was I the only one that thought Jim was going to propose right there on the sidewalk?!

The question is this: do they break up before the end of the season?  And if so, will they get back together?  I don’t even like to think about it, but don’t be shocked if it happens.

To follow up with yesterday’s thoughts on meeting with a friend and having a “real” conversation.  Let me tell you about a meeting this morning. I am at a business breakfast meeting with a group of people I’ve been meeting with for about 18 months.  One member brought a guest and I watched him interact with some of the other members.  It was like something out of the Office. He introduces himself to a guy and says
“Hi, I’m _______.  Where are you at again?  Greer?
Friend: “No, I’m in Mauldin”
“Have we met before, because you look so familiar?”
Friend: “Don’t think so”
“What do you do again?”
Friend: “I’m in printing”
“That’s right.”

Let me add a little commentary. Acting like you’ve met someone before when its obvious you haven’t, does not make a good impression. He tried three times to “make a connection” but it was so obvious that it was a crock.  I wanted to jump in, but decided to keep watching.  Next interaction:

“Hi, I’m_______. Who do  you work for?
Friend 2: “For _______. We do advertising”
“Oh yeah.  What’s the guys name that runs that office?”
Friend 2: “That would be me.”
“Oh, yeah.  That’s great.  Maybe we can talk about working together”

It really took a lot not to jump in.  Glad I didn’t.  It was the first time we’d met and I’m sure that would not have been the best first impression for me!  I’m learning that it is really obvious when people want to work with you, help you, learn from you, and so on; and its even more obvious when they want to use you, get something from you, or gain an advantage from you.

I don’t think I’ll be doing any business with this guy.  Makes me wonder how often I’ve made a arse out of myself and didn’t know it.

Had a great lunch today with an old friend.  He’s the worship leader at our church and has more talent in his left pinky than most. We had a real good conversation about life and all the stuff that’s going on. What was great about it though, was the level of authenticity.  I love real people. I love talking with people that feel comfortable enough with themselves and with God to be real.  Its refreshing.  It takes a huge dose of humility, which by the way is what James says God loves.

How do others see you?  How do others see me?  I hope that we are growing in humility and “realness”.

By the way, check out Lee’s new cd. Its really good. www.leemcderment.com. It’s also on itunes.

I would have to say that one of my biggest challenges I face each week are the “important” distractions (and if I’m honest, the not so important ones).  Distractions come is all shapes, sizes, and colors. Emails, phone calls to return, more emails, start on a new idea, start another book.  Instead of finishing a short list of priorities, I continue to make a longer list of distractions.  This has got to change and I would make a handsome bet that the most effective leaders out there are great at this.

The adventure continues…