Challenged and Inspired

My younger son served as an intern at our church this summer working in the children’s ministry. The staff invited families of the eleven interns to a dinner to thank them and celebrate the end of a great summer. I went to support my son and see friends and have a great meal. By the way, the lasagna was delicious. As usual, I received more than a great meal.

Pastor Tom McCoy delivered a message of encouragement from Jeremiah to each of the young people who served. As I listened I was challenged and inspired. I remember consciously thinking, “I am really glad I showed up.”

The first step in being challenged and inspired is to leave the cave and participate. The cave can be your physical home and you should leave to interact with people that are looking to achieve a higher purpose. Many times they will ask more of you than you thought you were able to give. You can also turn off your TV and read a book. You can choose to listen to audio recordings in your car or while you work in the yard. You can tap into the wisdom of those who have gone before you by simply making small adjustments in your lifestyle.

The second step and key component is that you must be open and hungry to learn. Several people sat in that room with me the other night and they were not challenged or inspired. Frankly, they probably could not wait for it to be over.

I am challenged and inspired in several areas of my life by people and information I choose to surround myself.

I am challenged and inspired by:

• Going to church and listening to a powerful sermon from God’s word or having lunch with my friend Jason where he challenges me to find life’s truth.
• My beautiful wife Lesa with her encouragement, tireless faith and integrity. She helps me be a better man, husband and father.
• My son Nick who encourages me to live a healthy life so I can enjoy my grandchildren. Also, his drive and focus is contagious.
• My son Nathan with his gracious personality and attitude. Also, his call to a greater purpose and service.
• My friends Dan and Joanne Miller that have shown me that I can love work and live with purpose.
• Listening to Dave Ramsey show me how to be responsible with my finances.

There are many more people that have challenged and inspired me through their friendship, coaching and writing. Too many to name.

I hope you will intentionally seek people and information that will help you reach a higher level of success in all areas of your life.

“From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other – above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
— Albert Einstein

Please share when you have been challenged and inspired. I look forward to hearing from you. Share in the comment section below.

Have a great week!

Pierce