DISQUS

I'd say the plot is the structure an author provides on which the characters develop. But as in life, it is the development, choices, interactions, foibles, strengths and ultimate changes of the characters themselves which are central.

The question in life is not whether you are living within the plot correctly, but whether you are participating in the development of the plot as a free and responsible (if flawed) member.

Thanks for the thought-provoking question!

Excellent insights. I recognize myself and received some great prompts for increasing self-awareness.
Thanks.

It reminds me of Bartimaeus by the side of the road shouting at Jesus.
It's not like Jesus was looking for Bartimaeus. He most probably would have passed him right by.
Jesus stopped because Bartimaeus yelled.

Keep yelling, Marcus. Insist that God meet you.
And don't let the crowds silence you if anyone dares suggest that trusting God should more dignified.
Thanks for the post!

Karl Edwards's last blog post..Listen In -> Strategic Planning #1: The Tennis Player’s Stance

The ability to see God even where he doesn't announce himself with flaming bushes is a gift to treasure. Thanks for sharing it.

You know how frustrated I get by the prerequisite on the explicit use of bible-words or church-type activities at work in order to feel we have taken our "faith to the workplace."

Work itself is the topic. How we work. Why we work. To what ends we work. With whom do we work? etc. etc.

These questions address the core issue of the stewardship of our lives. A freedom and responsibility shared by every one of us.

The questions far out-number the answers.

As someone who received many of his early insights into the mysteries of the Christian faith from the writings of J.I. Packer, it feels like hearing the voice of an old friend that one hasn't seen for many years, but recognizes instantly nonetheless.

Good reminder. The voices in our heads that shout, "Work, work harder!" need to be balanced with the voices that say, "Did you see that?! I think I'll stop what I'm doing and go check it out."

Finish reading Henry Cloud's "Integrity."
Submit an exciting speaking proposal.
Reward myself "big time" for achieving my goals!

Forgiveness is the only remaining option when there are no excuses on offer.
It is probably more a gift we give to ourselves than anything we're giving to anyone who's wronged us. We can move on, deprive the "crime" and the perpetrators of the on-going power over us that anger and bitterness can sow into our souls.
Forgiveness as means to "make nice" in a shattered relationship cruelly transforms the victim of the original wrong into the new criminal when they cannot or will not extend forgiveness. This is truly the gospel turned upside down.

Relationships involve knowing and being known.
Branding speaks (to me) about being known. Known for who I am. Known for how I am distinct. Known in my business for how I add value.
But the relationship factor insists that key to being known is being genuinely interested in knowing those on the other side of the relationship. Many stop short here and wonder why there isn't much interest in their brand.
Thanks for your work in this area.

Hit a nerve this morning. Damn you.
Oh... I mean, Thank you.