Elizabeth Anne is showing early signs that she will be a linebacker.
*NOTE: No person or animal was injured in the shooting of this film. Do not try this at home without supervision. The result of this tackle were many giggles from the tackler - the bear however, wasn't laughing.
Having the desire to be remarkable is one thing, actually doing something about it is a whole other ballgame.
It reminds me of a verse in the Bible that says "Let us not love with words or tounge, but with actions and in truth."
In other words, talk is cheap!
Andy Stanley goes into more detail in his message "The Path Principle", which is "the path you are on will lead you to your destination. We can desire something, wish for something, even write down plans to do something - but all that means nothing if we are not walking the right path.
For example: I want to be a remarkable dad. You say - that's great, way to go! You should be saying - so what are you doing about it? What little things are you doing everyday to become a remarkable dad? Are you on the right path toward your destination?
Here are some things I think I am going to do:
1) Every morning I tell Elizabeth Anne that I love her, and that if I could choose any girl in the whole world to be my daughter - I would choose her! (see Matthew 3:17)
2) Subscribe to Family Times when she is a little older and make it a priority to teach her values and virtues.
3) Take her on dates.
4) Pray with her.
5) Apologize to her when I mess up.
6) Love her mother like I want her future husband to love her.
7) Give her lots and lots of hugs.
8) Care enough to discipline her when necessary - and be fair about it.
9) Care enough to get involved with her life as she grows older.
10) Look for her gifts and talents and encourage her constantly to go for it.
11) Write a blog about her for her to read one day. : )
These are just a few thoughts, and I would love more ideas.
One of the books that have had an impact on me is Purple Cow by Seth Godin.
In short summary, it's about being remarkable. That in today's world, good doesn't work. You have to be remarkable - worth talking about, worth paying attention to. If you aren't, you just get lost in the crowd.
To me, one of the main reasons I think some people don't go from good to remarkable is because of plain laziness. They are satisfied with just being average or good and don't want to put in the extra effort it takes to make a lasting impression. Come to work, get by, go home.
It is a great business book, worth reading.
But what about in our personal life. Why not be a remarkable dad, a remarkable husband, a remarkable friend? Why not strive for excellence in those areas? You know, do the little things that make your wife, children, or friends day. In the business world we spend so much time thinking about and working towards blowing away our customers - but do we put in the same effort at home?
The same culprit stops us - laziness. Come home, get by, go to work.
It is hard work, takes extra effort, intentional action, and dedicated focus to be a remarkable husband, dad, and/or friend. I would say harder than whatever it is you do for a living.
But the thing is - in the long run, it pays better. So, why not strive to be remarkable? I can't think of any unselfish reason not to.
