This morning Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow so I guess we’re in for another 6 weeks of winter. Conversely Buckeye Chuck did not see his shadow so may the best groundhog win!
One of my favorite movies is Groundhog Day with the incomparable Bill Murray starring as Phil Conner, a self-centered/other controlling TV weatherman who resented the fact that he had to go to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, PA. Phil clearly was living in victimhood and soon found himself trapped in an endless loop of every day being February 2. He tried to blow his way out of the situation through engaging in many destructive behaviors, however in the end Phil discovered that what got him out of the endless cycle of being a victim of Groundhog Day was love… once he ‘saw his shadow’. He began to see why he was here and how his life could make a meaningful difference for others.
Love is the answer, my friend. Love is sustainable. Your OPUS is your great work of love and that is what will fuel you for the long haul. You are here for a reason. Love leaves a legacy. Love is the way.
Now to tie my riff to BBTL’s Day 33… In this entry Chet writes of a great work of love – that of Arthur Guinness. Guinness founded his company in Ireland in the 1700’s, and his heart was moved by the brokenness of society in his day. As a follower of Jesus, Guinness lived his faith in service to others through his firm. He knew why he was here and it was for a bigger purpose than making great ales and a lot of sales. His lasting legacy is one of love. Love for his fellow man, love for his employees, love for the disadvantaged, love for his community. Love of excellence and innovation in all things. Love for His God.
As I live my OPUS I am constantly fueled by love. Love of the work, love of those I get to build and serve, love of my Band, love of the process, love of knowing there is always more to learn, always opportunity to be transformed. Love that experiences a ‘good tired’, as Chet says so well. Love for the newness of each day…there is no Groundhog Day in my OPUS! I discovered my OPUS after a severe MOT, losing LA suddenly. It was this major life event that showed me I don’t know how long I will be on this earth. I want to fulfill the purpose God has for me. This continues to spur on my sense of urgency and my commitment to my OPUS.
How about you, friend? What fuels you in work and in life? Why are you here? What can only you do? What legacy do you want to leave? My prayer for us all is that we can discover, author and live our OPUS, our great work of love.
But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
I Corinthians 13:13
BUILT TO LEAD 