Last week you learned about creating a culture where people can speak and be heard. So how do we illustrate that our culture is changing?
Ten years ago when we moved into our current home, we decided to paint the kitchen Forest Green. I still don't know what we were thinking. We told ourselves we liked it, but admittedly the already dark room became darker and smaller. Last week I decided enough was enough and repainted the kitchen a very light shade called Glowing Green. The color is actually like a very pale shade of Robin's Egg. What better way to spend the last freezing day of cold weather and get in gear for Spring? And what better way to show others that change is taking place within you or your organization?
Boiling this down some more, people need more than just lip service, they want to see results. It's one thing to tell your boss you are becoming a more productive worker; it's another thing to show your sales numbers are up 3 percent over last year. You can say you're really learning a lot from the bible, but the question is where is is sticking out in your life? How would your spouse rate your growth? You say you love her, but do you still wait until she nags before taking out the garbage?
How do you know you're growing? You know, when you start not only thinking differently, but acting differently. Growing people are not comfortable with the status quo, they are people who chase what could and should be. If you don't like the color of your kitchen or the state of your marriage or your job or the choices you are making, do something about it! Better yet do something for others. Take the first step in completing the project your wife has been talking about. Pour the wine down the kitchen sink. Send out your resume. Stop being grumpy.
By now, you may be thinking I can't do all of those things by myself. You're right. But with God's help you can do a lot more than you could ever ask, imagine or think! God hasn't left you here to be miserable and lonely and depressed, He wants you to have not just eternal life, but abundant life. Yes, you will experience heart ache and loneliness, depression, and rejection, but that doesn't have to be the end of the story. Ask God to help you write a better next chapter. You can triumph over tragedy. You don't have to live in the dark, depressing kitchen, you can paint it.
1. Budget- If you're going to make some practical changes in your life, it might be helpful to budget. I used to just dream and swipe, but last week I decided to withdraw a certain amount of money before going to the Home Improvement Store. In the long run, I got the paint I needed and only 2 of the 4 LED lightbulbs I am using to replace the existing recessed lights in my soffit, but I experienced an unexplainable joy knowing I had exercised self- discipline while making my purchase.
2. Prioritize- Take some time to decide what really needs to change and focus on one project at a time. Maybe right now you are unsure what your next project is. Work on the last job God gave you until He shows you something different. Don't forget that He is perfectly capable of inspiring you. If you're not inspired at the moment, maybe it's because you haven't completed the last project.
I'm sitting in our 'new' kitchen as I write and it's amazing. A once dark and dreary room is now fresh and bright and ready to receive huge infusions of Spring. How about you? Are the changes taking place in you or your organization being reflected in your physical environment? Or is it business as usual? You can tell people that change is taking place in you and/your organization, but unless they see some kind of tangible proof, chances are they won't believe you.
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