It always amazes me how much people leave behind when they move on to a new job, new city or new responsibility. During the past several years we have shifted our strategy in order to keep up with our vision. But we do our best to leave nothing behind.

What does this even mean?
Leaving nothing behind needs to be thought of in terms of battle. Every branch of the military has a policy of “no man or woman left behind.” This is a core foundation of the military and needs to be a figurative core foundation of our businesses.

When starting a new business venture you have been shaped. Your past, your childhood, your experiences and even your business partners all shape who you are regardless of if those things are positive or negative. Many people want to just cling to the positive and forget the negative. And I was this way too.

This past year we established a great relationship with a group of friends and dreamed big. However, as we progressed in our business relationship to take things to the next level I began to see how much lack of attention to detail, communication and leadership there was. And it developed a negative perspective of the whole team in my mind. We separated ways and it was and still continues to be an ugly divorce on several levels.

At first, I was bitter. Then I was simply pissed off. However, now that I have processed the whole situation, I am thankful. There were so many red flags on this venture that showed up for me, yet the drive to make money kept me in it. And this was not true to my vision of helping people and being crazy generous to others as a business.

I began to realize that this experience needs to stay with me. It needs to shape me. It needs to help me be a better leader, better business partner and a better communicator. I don’t have to let a negative experience define me, but I do have to let it teach me.

So may you rise up to the challenges ahead. May you be ready and willing to put yourself out there and establish yourself as a creative, a professional and yet a personable leader, communicator, pastor, encourager, etc. And whether positive or negative, may you leave nothing behind.

For a split second you can reflect on things that have eternal significance. You catch your breath while letting life slow down.

And then the slightest break in that rhythm occurs. And throws it all away.

We are human. But why do we allow something so pristene to be lost in time to something so trivial?

We may never know those answers. But tonight I experienced just that. My question of the week this week: why?

Except for tonight.

Really I’m not thinking so much about the future as I am wondering if this is all life is about. Things have been so mundane lately and the daily stresses of life have really not helped.

Did I lose my passion somewhere alon the way? Or is this a chance for me to catch my breath before the next big life journey begins?

Of course all of this makes no sense to anyone reading. But I am going to start opening my blog up to reflect more on what God is doing within me than trying to always add my wisdom to the world conversation.

My hope right now is for love to conquer all. Love from Jesus. Love for Jesus. Love for my wife. Love for my daughter. And love for friends and family.

Maybe it will all start to make sense then.

Life often gains speed as things click and we find our groove. But we aren’t careful, it can take a turn for the worst. So you must intentionally make sure you take a break. At first I planned to take a few days off. Then it began to turn into weeks.

There is something freeing about limiting how much you accomplish. Which is odd, wouldn’t you say? Freedom is found through limitation.

I heard a great story the other day about a little girl who wanted to play with a scorpion. Her dad pulled her away immediately when he saw it. She viewed this as a limitation. He viewed it as freedom. So I will be continuing my quest for freedom from the noise by posting diligently, yet not daily. I hope you will continue to come back and add to the discussion when you can too.

Who knows, you might experience freedom too.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

— John 3:16

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

— 1 Peter 3:15

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

—Phillipans 1:20

And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

— 1 Corinthians 15:19-20

Where there is pain
Let us bring grace
Where there is suffering
Bring serenity
For those afraid
Let us be brave
Where there is misery
Let us bring them relief
And surely we can change
Surely we can change
Oh surely we can change

— David Crowder