A few years ago, when a coworker was getting ready to retire, I bought her a clock that I found humorous. Rather than being marked with only the hours of the day, it had an extra ‘hand’ to mark the day of the week. It was funny, then. Now, I’m starting to wish I had one!

By the way, I decided to stop naming my posts with a counter. It was starting to annoy me so I wondered if readers were beginning to dread yet-another-numbered-post. From now on, I shall forego the numbering. There, that’s done.

So, today was another beautiful autumn day. We went to our local Panera for an early dinner which we ate outside so we could enjoy the glorious weather. Mel was kind enough to choose a table where I could sit with the sun in my face, which I love. I’m sort of like a cat when it comes to lounging in the sun. At my first house, when I was still single, the afternoon sun would stream in through the kitchen door and leave a nice bright patch of warm light on the floor. On Sunday afternoons, my two cats and I would curl up together on the floor and snooze in the sunlight. Ah, so relaxing. But, I digress…

Back to Panera…

Once we finished our meal, I pulled up a YouTube video of a John Maxwell sermon so we could listen and learn as we sat there. This particular message was called “Change Your World.” Unfortunately, I didn’t have my notebook with me so I was reduced to scribbling on a napkin. Still, it was a great message. I encourage you to check it out! https://youtu.be/PW5p27KqJu8. I will post my notes, below, to give you an idea of what you’ll hear.

The gist of the message was about finding your purpose, based on Matthew 5:13-16. He reminded us that every single person was created with an innate desire to make their life count for something; to make a difference in this world. We all seek to have a purpose in our lives.

In light of the recent pandemic mess, he noted that “Crises is a Detour.” In a crisis. we can either curse the darkness or turn on the light. He also noted that, “Everything that you want or need but you don’t have, is outside of your comfort zone.”

People change in four seasons of life:

1. They hurt enough that they HAVE to change.
2. They’ve seen enough that they are INSPIRED to change.
3. They learn enough that they WANT to change.
4. They receive enough that they are ABLE to change.

There has been a decline in trust in our country in the past 40-50 years. Trust is the environment where people thrive and do well. So, how do we create an environment of trust?

1. Value people…EVERYBODY
2. Add value to the lives of people when we interact with them
3. Live good values; exhibit the Fruits of the Spirit (Galations 5:22-23, The Message)
   • affection for others,
   • exuberance about life,
   • serenity
   • a willingness to stick with things,
   • a sense of compassion in the heart, and
   • a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.
   • involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life,
   • able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
4. Share good values

Basically, cultivate and demonstrate a servant’s heart. Serve them and love them where they are…no strings attached.

Good stuff to chew on if you want to Change Your World. That is certainly my hearts desire. God bless!