WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

I love to write with a Zebra Pen. There is something about it that just feels so much better in my hand. I enjoy the way that the point moves across the page more than other pens. I enjoy them so much that at Christmas my daughter knew she would have a great gift for me when she gave me a multi-pack of Zebra pens in varying colors. You see, I journal most every morning and have for almost all her life. 

What is the difference? In the photo you can see multiple pens and I bet you have an idea which ones I might reach for first if I needed to write. What you might not guess is which ones I cannot rely on. You see, though I love the way the Zebra pen feels, I prefer the Bic Pen to the right over the four pens to the left. The biggest difference, in how a pen writes, is NOT how it feels in my hand, it is what is inside. The four pens on the left have nothing left to give. I have journaled until those have no ink remaining. No matter how much better the feel to my hand, they are empty.

It strikes me that we are much the same in life, and especially during our time of finding where we can apply our talents, skills, and passions next.

One morning this week when I awoke a moment of terror crossed my mind. I am in the middle of July and my plans are falling behind. You see, in February, when my position was eliminated, I thought and said “by the end of June I will be working again. I live in the city that is touted as having the second hottest job market in the US.” (https://www.newschannel5.com/news/nashville-has-second-hottest-job-market-in-u-s)

What I did not know was the next week a tornado would blow through our hometown destroying homes and businesses alike. I started to get concerned, businesses whether big or small, impacted by the storm would affect the job market by eliminating jobs (if even for a season) and putting more people in the position of trying to move on to their next place of employment. (https://www.wkrn.com/news/nashville-tornado/interactive-map-2020-nashville-tornado-outbreak-damage/)

Then the pandemic… Then the protests… Then the riots… Then somewhere in this time frame the economy and the unemployment… The list goes on and on. Things I did not know in February when I proclaimed “after 18+ years I am a free agent” and “by the end of June I will be working again” have great impact on where I stand today.  

What is the difference? Today, the world looks a great deal different than the world I lived in in February, but so do I. When I woke up in that “moment of terror” I had a still quiet peace that came to me. The difference between myself and the four Zebra Pens is I am not empty. During this time, I have continued to keep myself full by:

• Spiritual Refreshment –

I have continued to:

1. study my way through the Psalms reading a Psalm a day 4-5 days a week.
2. meet by Zoom or in person with my men’s small group each Friday morning at 6:00AM.
3. meet each week with my accountability partner.
4. worship corporately online or in the building when allowed and privately.
5. serve when I see an opportunity.

• Leadership Refreshment

I have:

1. continued to read books and articles on leadership.
2. attended events where people share their thoughts on leadership.
3. taken online classes.
4. started an online leadership course at GiANT.tv which has allowed me to learn more about myself and my own tendencies. (Who knew I am a Nurturer Creative Voice in my communication? …and who knew what that meant?) (https://www.giantworldwide.com/) (https://www.giant.tv/users/sign_in)

• Technical Refreshment

I have:

1. continued to learn more about software I have used taking courses on: Excel – I know Excel and use it often. My peers would call me with questions, but I have never had a course until now. Powerpoint – I know Powerpoint. I learned it to create meeting presentations, but now I understand more because of the course.
2. studied new software to expand my knowledge: Salesforce – Honestly, I added this in because one of the positions I applied to spoke of using Salesforce, though I did not end up in that position, I learned to prepare…just in case.

• Customer Service Refreshment: I have studied “Customer, Confrontation and Conflict”.
• Project Management Refreshment: I continue to study the “Basics of Six Sigma Project Management”.

What is the difference? Today I am better prepared to step into my next role and tomorrow I will fill myself up some more because when someone reaches out to me and says “we need you” I will not be empty and useless. I may not even be the choice tool for the job, but I will be full of life, energy, hope, passion, and more knowledge because I am made to make a difference. I was created to a difference maker.

These were the thoughts running through my mind. I was going to close this with an encouragement to those of us who are still seeking. I thought it might encourage someone to keep filling themselves and to keep trying. That was my thought until I began reading about Congressman John Lewis’ death and his amazing life. I read this quote and I could not think of a clearer set of words than this as I continue to learn. 

“We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters. If not, we will perish as fools.” – John Lewis – US Congressman

Brothers and sisters do not always agree. They do not always get along. …but in my family, they always want what is best for each other. You and I may disagree on many things, but I will always want “to live together as brothers and sisters”. I will always want the best for you.

What is the difference? You and I are the difference today. We are not empty. We continue to learn and grow. We continue to keep our minds open to different ideas. We can disagree greatly and still “love one another” and still want the best for everyone involved. I do not have all of the answers, but it does not matter what is on the outside, it is what is on the inside that makes a difference. Are you filling yourself up today? Will you be ready when called upon?

What is the difference?