Weekly Thought – November 14, 2017
Fred’s desire to stretch others was not just a youthful mission statement. It was an uppermost motivation his entire life. Asking questions to facilitate the stretching process was a well-honed skill. We continue with Fred’s probing questions and brief answers he gave in a casual conversation shortly before his death. These are questions he used in conversations over years and can be found under the category of mentoring questions in the Leadership Library of www.breakfastwithfred.com
BWFLI is initiating a new project in 2018: The What’s Next Roundtable. Frequently students remark that uncertainties about the future weigh heavily on them. We will be conducting a three module event focusing on mentoring, networking, and character. We are scheduled for 5 campuses during 2018 and are working on 2019. Please pray for this effort. And, financial support is always welcome as we seek to “stretch and bless the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.”
Mining for Understanding
1) What are my most pleasant memories, the most painful? Were they things I did or were they done to me? I think we can have painful memories from both things we did (or didn’t do) as well as things done to us unjustly. If they were mistakes, we must try to rectify them; if they were sins, we must repent. The pleasant memories are generally related to successful achievements or good relations. A friend of mine spoke of creating pleasant memories in each stage of life as “memory insurance.” As a family we always talked about putting deposits in the “memory bank.” Mary Alice and I focused on memories and experiences rather than possessions. Journaling so that your family can enjoy these times is a good practice. I think we would all be surprised at the number of pleasant remembrances we have. The longer one lives, the more they accumulate. It is a challenge to many older people to focus on the good times, and release the bad. Crochety old people are the grumpy ones who dwell on the negative. Also, it is important to make good memories for others through encouragement, apt words, and helpfulness.
2) What are my sources of inspiration, motivation, and information? I am very selective in my choice of authors, friends, and associates. My friend Charlie “Tremendous” Jones always reminds us that “except for the places you go and the people you meet, you will be the same person 5 years from now as you are today.” I choose my sources carefully. I also do not believe I have a moral imperative to read, listen to, or converse about everything someone else thinks I should. When time and energy are limited, I have a responsibility to guard both.
3) What is the place of hobbies and recreation in your life? Hobbies for me are a source of learning, not escape. When I took up golf at 50 I wanted to know everything I could about the game. Music has always been a great part of my life. I respect great talent in any field so the gathering of talented people could be considered a productive hobby. This question is always an interesting one to ask. There are those whose leisure life is much more accomplished than their career, so you will see a great deal of enthusiasm to discuss this topic.
This week think about: 1) How am I accumulating good memories? 2) What is my plan for personal growth and development? 3) Does recreation have a proper and appropriate place in my life?
Words of Wisdom: “As a family we always talked about putting deposits in the “memory bank.” Mary Alice and I focused on memories and experiences rather than possessions.”
Wisdom from the Word: “I will remember the works of the Lord. Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago!” (Psalm 77:11 NET Bible)