So Be It

I read a book a while back in which the author describes someone as a "So Be It" Christian. I really liked that term and it is something I have been asking God to make me. Someone who, regardless of my circumstances, will say, "So be it," knowing that God is in control.

Yesterday at The Masters, Phil Mickelson, on his second hole, had an important 4-5 foot putt for a par. During his backstroke, some debris from a tree fell right in his line which caused his ball to veer off course. Really an unfortunate break (See above video).

Not only an unfortunate break, but come on, what are the adds of something like that happening?! And happening during one of the most important rounds of his career?!

Yet, Mickelson seemed unfazed. He walked to the next tee and went about his business like it was nothing. It was as if he said, "So be it." Cool stuff.

This could have sidetracked him mentally and he could have lost a lot of shots and the tournament out of frustration. I was sitting at home with nothing invested and I was upset. I couldn't believe that had happened. I felt bad and was still thinking about it several holes later. In fact, I was saying to myself, "I hope he doesn't lose this tournament by one shot!"

But, as you probably know, Mickelson hung on to win his third green jacket by three shots. So be it! Thanks for the great example Phil!

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11b

Calm Leadership

One of the chapter titles in my book, Bleedership, Biblical First-Aid for Leaders is "Calm Leadership." No one I know of exhibits calm leadership better than Jim Tressel, head football coach at Ohio State.

In a reprint of an article in the Columbus Dispatch, I read this comment made by Doug Datish, a starting offensive lineman on last year's team:

"I don't know if it takes any pressure off, but I think it gives us that sense of--being able to watch him and learn from him over these past five years, it is something I admire about him and try to do myself, and I think other guys on the team try to do the same thing. And I think as you see him exuding that type of confidence and that calm he has about him, it is really something to marvel at, and something that really helps you out."

When you you as a leader act calm in the midst of a storm, it helps the whole team. I sure hope that is the case Monday night! Go Bucks!

Under Pressure

Yesterday, my wife Connie called me. At that exact moment I felt I had about 14 things that needed to be done in the next 4 minutes. In 4 minutes I needed to leave for an appointment. I was stressed.

Needless to say, I was not as pleasant as I should have been with my wife. She was simply calling to share part of her day with me and I was very short with her.

In spite of the way I acted, I believe being calm under pressure while we are at work is one of the best ways we can show others the effect of Christ on us. Most people are not very nice and they are typically short with others (like I was with Connie) when they are under pressure.

In Bleedership, I devoted an entire chapter to Calm Leadership - that's how important I think this is.

Many people have told me that being calm is not their nature. I believe it is a choice. I just read something that Joyce Meyer wrote which said, if you are in the middle of one of your tantrums and your pastor knocked at your door, would you put on a calm front to greet him or her? Most would do that which proves this is a choice. Let's make that choice. It can have a significant impact on those who don't know Jesus.

TAHOE WEDDING

My wife, Connie and I just returned from an amazing 5 day trip to California. We went there for the wedding of her niece, Jonelle which was in Lake Tahoe. I had never been to Lake Tahoe before and I was not expecting the incredible beauty that is all around there.

The wedding ceremony was on the side of a mountain overlooking the lake (see picture above) - very picturesque. The ceremony was not only memorable because of the setting but because of the fact that one of the guest's dogs (why they had dogs there I don't know, but hey, it's California) walked between the bride and groom while they were reciting their vows.

This may happen frequently out there, but this was a first for me. The cool part of this was the fact that neither Jonelle nor Willie (the bride and groom) were fazed. They kept on and remained calm as though nothing were happening. Very cool.

It reminded me of what an impact we can have on others in our places of work. When we are calm in the midst of chaos, we are set apart - people take notice. They might even ask us how we are able to be so calm. That is an open door to tell them how God is working in our life.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15