Lessons Learned from the Unexpected

All three reinforced something I've been learning recently: you have to be confident in who you are and where you're going, bold enough to share that and pursue it, and humble enough to course-correct at every step of the way as you receive feedback and wisdom.

I could leave it at that and we'd be set for this email, honestly.

Let's call that the TL;DR.

Both the phone call and meeting were tough - both challenged me in ways that I felt justified in my actions, YET, could see from the other perspective how I didn't actually execute excellently.

(note, listen always, receive feedback, but DO NOT apply everything unless it's wise. most of us share from a place of emotion and self-centeredness [Christian or not] - weigh it CAREFULLY.)

But I was able to speak transparently and confidently and therefore able to articulate why I did what I did and who I am because of that, but also in a manner that was curious and open to understand the other perspective.

First times I've really been able to pull it off quite like that, and while not perfect, was enough of a taste that I want to work so much harder on improving this.

The trip was insane.

It was a combo of biz/personal and I have to say, I about broke down from emotional overwhelm.

I hardly cry, but man, that flight back had me in tears just a bit as I pondered what I experienced the past 72+ hours.

No one is perfect.

That's a fact, and if you disagree, bummer.

While I didn't spend my extended weekend with perfect people, I experienced something I had only envisioned in my mind.

I have some serious vision for my life, but I don't always articulate it or lead in it very well.

It's tough and something I'm learning - humbling as all get out - and slowly growing in.

That said, I have vision.

Some of it feels so impossible because I've never personally experienced it for myself.

I believe for it, but man is it hard to hold on and pursue that when you don't actually experience it.

So, I've determined to not live by experience but by faith and vision.

(hint, there should be a balance, and that's one of the things I learned this weekend... I now have work to do)

This weekend I experienced the life I have envisioned for myself in 10-20 years.

In many ways, to a T.

Work, marriage, parenting, investing, church life - it was the most surreal experience at least in the last handful of years for me.

What I walked away with was an overwhelming feeling of reinforced belief as I saw with my own eyes the possibility of what, until this past Friday, was just vision kept inside of me (some of it feels to big to share out loud).

I'm still overwhelmed - it's insane.

I thought the Lord was leading me out there to consult on a potential client project.

And it likely was that, but that was 1% of the trip.

I thought it was going to be about friendship building (that was 200% it).

I never could have imagined that the Lord would teach me so many incredible lessons, reinforce my belief in such a way (I mean, there is NOTHING impossible now guys... oh man!), and humble me so gently and graciously.

Never underestimate what God can do.

Keep your eyes open and heart willing to see and grow in what He's teaching.

He is SO good and faithful.

I hope you have an amazing week, friend!