Raise Your Own Bar (10-12) Sir, What do You Think?

Preacher legend tells about a salesman's shocking experience. While going door-to-door one day, he was greeted by an eight-year-old boy. A large, smoltering, Cuban cigar was hanging out of boy's mouth. The salesman asked, Is your mother home? The little boy pulled the cigar out of his mouth, tapped the ashes on the carpet, and asked, Sir, what do you think?

Lets see, where was I? Oh yeah, personal accountability. How to raise your own bar.

10) Have Ongoing Conversations with People from Your Past. The miracles (I date myself here) of unlimited nights and weekends along with email leaves no excuse for not staying connected with a treasured few from the good old days. Why? Because they know you beyond your current roles. Most people around you value you for what you do. If you are pretty good at what you do, you are a great person. People from your past know you for who you are. They know what you stink at, because they have seen you in various roles over a span of time.

11) Read. Almost anything. Reading is an ongoing conversation with an outside voice. Don't waste all your reading time with books that tell you what you want to hear. Some of your most valuable reading will be from people or about people you do not agree with. Ten Eternal Questions by Zoe Sallis, is a good place to start. The book features people from Jack Nicholson to Bono, who answer questions about eternity.

12) Hang Out with People Not Like You. A man who spends all his time with people who thinks, acts, and lives like he does is a coward. He is under challenged and not accountable for his thoughts about God and life. I feel lonely, at times, out in the real world with normal people. It remains, however, the place where God wants me and one of my most important positions of Kingdom influence. New topic Monday.

Talk about you movement makers, I forgot to mention Wednesday night's meeting with a group of a dozen high achieving Asian -Indians, who, will plant a church in Columbia. We heard their stories, one by one. These, strong in the Lord, missionaries will swim hard and fast to save those who are drowning. They have a passion to reach the world. Coaching was on my agenda yesterday, along with a great visit with Carl Martin, Ken Lewis and the Savannah River movement makers in Bluffton. Incredible! Had my favorite salad in the world at Cheeburger, Cheeburger in Bluffton.

My weekend will include deacons is White Oak, family in Carowinds, North Rock Hill Church, Midtown, and football! Roll Tide!!! Go Dirty Birds!!! I will keep you posted.