axioms add up

I've been thinking lately about how I live my life. It all began to surface when I was listening to Bill Hybels at the Leadership Summit in August. He was talking about leadership axioms. If you're looking for some ideas and insight in leadership, you might want to check out Hybels' leadership book called, axiom.

axiom (ăk'sē-əm)

a word or phrase that particular
people use in particular situations; "pardon the expression"

You know those sayings, expressions or 'isms' we all have.

Bill, my father-in-law would reply to difficult situations with two sayings... This too shall pass. and It's just a glitch. I must admit I often did NOT want to hear this Bill-ism. But we could count on him helping us gain a bit of perspective through these axioms of his. Unfortunately, he died a few years ago however his words and wisdom lives on -- not because he always said those words but more importantly because he lived those words.

On my desk is a crumpled typewritten saying he carried in his work portfolio. It is entitled, The Best Day of My Life. I have no idea who said this, or when he added it to his treasured pieces of paper yet I am thankful for what he left behind.

As I sit and look at this piece of paper I wonder what my kids, my husband, and my friends will say about me. What will I leave behind? What will they remember of what I said and how I lived? Will these two things be the same? Boy, I hope so.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

A person is made by a lifetime of living -- a series of small and large decisions that combine to create a life. We are building our legacy each and every day.

Here's a few things I am trying to remember about the cumulative effect of a living:

• There is a cumulative value to investing small amounts of time in certain activities over a long period of time.


• There is rarely any immediate consequences for neglecting single installments of time in any arena of life. HOWEVER, neglect or continually choosing to allow urgent things to interfere with the important will have a negative cumulative effect.

Remember the story about the rabbit and the turtle who run a race? I have to admit I've always liked the rabbit's energy but not his attitude. Today, I'm learning to accept and even embrace: slow and steady wins the race! Who knows, maybe it will become a Corinne-ism someday.

What are you saying these days? What are you living these days?

Caution! Community may require a leap of faith.

It seems everywhere we turn we are being asked to be part of small group, serve on a team, or get involved in a worthy cause. Like most of you, I’ve seen and experienced the best and worst of community and groups. Yet, my heart and soul has been transformed in ways I would have never expected as a result stepping into community or being part of a team. Even though I love a solo challenge -- I am learning to leap (okay, lean) toward community because I know spiritual transformation takes place best in community.

In community, I've found encouragement, support and often a clearer perspective about God and myself. In community, I've given a part of myself and received so much more. In community, I've been able to be part of something larger than myself. In community, I'm becoming visible and known. In community, I've experienced connection and meaningful interaction. In community, I've been lifted up through prayer - and been honored to pray for others. In community, I've faced hard questions. In community, I've found sticking around is worth it. In community ,I'm learning to listen more and talk less. In community, I'm getting a chance to increase my awareness and openness to people who are different than me. In community, I'm seeing more and becoming more like Christ -- slowly but surely.

Community Challenge!

1. Commit to finding community or staying connected in community.
2. What have you seen, learned, or experienced in community?
3. How are you better for being in community?
4. Think of a person who has been part of your community and has made a difference in your life -- send them a handwritten note of gratitude.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

Friends are made along the journey.