Giving without the green…

Today was rough.  I awoke with a throat that was on fire and a soul that felt it had flamed out.  I felt run over.

Completely.

At Larry’s memorial service and throughout the rest of the day I was overwhelmed with the impact, the footprint, and the legacy, if you will, that Larry’s life had left. AND, Rich Nathan’s reminder is still ringing in my head.

God’s decision’s are always RIGHT.

Thank you Rich for that reminder.  As my friend Larry would say, “The greatest moral teachers do very little instructing.  They mostly remind us.”  I hope today many that attended were reminded of what a great life looks like, regardless it’s length.  As Jim said earlier, we are created for OPUS.

NOT labor.

My time to talk was already running over today, so I stopped short of sharing this note from one of Larry’s “former” clients.  This client had forwarded this note to me just after hearing of Larry’s passing.  They had not worked together for months and this client wanted Larry’s building to continue, they just did not have the money. Soooo…

Larry continued to build him as best he could, when he could.  Here’s an example of his building “on the side,” if you will.  Let these words sink in…

Client XYZ,

“I can feel your pain.  These are very difficult times that are made all the worse by feelings of fear and uncertainty.  Personally, remember that the good fight of the faith is won one day at a time.  Spend a lot of time in the promises of God.  They are more precious than gold and the only sure investment in this economy.  Keep your heart happy in God as your first and foremost priority.  You are no good to anyone looking to you for strength and leadership if you have the same despair as everyone else.  Go against the grain because the Lord of all is working for you!

This is when you need to lead more clearly than ever.  Make yourself available to anyone and everyone as much as possible.  Communicate where you are, where you are going, and how you are going to get there.  Actively set the agenda for what your people are discussing about the company going forward.  Open the books as much as possible so that everyone can see why you are doing what you are doing.  Share the plans and progress you are making toward getting new business.  Share the success stories that you are creating throughout the company.  Build hope that is based on who you guys are and what you believe and how committed you are to each other.

Thank you for giving me the privilege of hearing your heart and concern.”

Warmest regards,

Larry

Now that is what I meant by Larry’s example of “giving even when there is no green he is receiving.”  That is what a master builder looks like.  That is hard  to imagine, hard to do without keeping score, and hard to explain.

In fact, that is the kind of action that leads to a life that can only be explained by Jesus.  Very cool…

What will people say about you when your last breath has been breathed?

Will grown men weep because of what you breathed into them while you were here?

Will your family, friends, and clients witness a life well lived?

Remember, one day, you too will be GONE.

Are you prepared for your BIG trip?

Challenge AND…

Peace…