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Sonja Ridden
 Mar 19, 06 - 6:24 PM |
Do What Matters Most - Living on Purpose March 2006
DO WHAT MATTERS MOST In my last newsletter I encouraged you to discover the meaning of success. Today I’d like to challenge you to do what matters most. In this highly demanding world of today in which the constant messages we receive are to work harder, do more, have more, be smarter, better, more attractive, wealthier, etc….. it is no an easy task to identify the things that matter most. Let’s see - what would your answers be to the following: What matters most? § Working late in order to obey your company’s unwritten rules or get home in time to tuck your small children into bed for the night? § Taking the holiday you desperately need in order to re-connect emotionally with your partner or staying behind to work on a deal that could spell promotion? § Visiting your mum in the nursing home because she’s feeling lonely or rushing to a work function? § Dealing with a work crisis or supporting a loved one in their time of crisis? Asking what matters most is something that’s very close to my heart as I write this newsletter not long after I’ve been informed that my sister’s only son has – some hours ago - been killed in a car accident. My heart says to rush to my sister’s aid, to stand by her side as she deals with the shocking and tragic new reality of her life. My mind tells me that I have an appointment book filled with important commitments. Rushing to my sister’s aid is no easy matter as it involves a 24 hour flight and means that I’ll be away from my husband, my children and my work commitments for quite some time....but what matters most? Given the tragic nature of the circumstance, I haven’t found this question all that difficult to answer. Often, however, what matters most isn’t quite as straightforward and arriving at an answer may require significant soul-searching. As I face the task of supporting my sister and her family through the most difficult time of their lives, may I challenge you to give serious thought to what matters most in your life and to then ask yourself whether your actions reflect your conclusion? POINTS TO PONDER * This morning, did you leave home without saying good-bye to your husband/wife? * Were there angry words between you and a family member before you went to work today? * When was the last time you told your mother and father how much they mean to you? * When did you last say ‘thank you’ to your secretary? * Did you let your work colleagues know how much you valued their timely encouragement? * Have you ever told your boss how much you appreciate his/her mentorship, trust and support? * When did you last tell your children how precious they are to you - did you hug them, kiss them and encourage them as they walked out the door this morning? * How often do you tell the important people in your life how much you love them? ACTIONS AND WORDS THAT MATTER Let me encourage you today to use every opportunity to speak words of approval, encouragement and blessing to your loved ones; show recognition, appreciation and kindness to those with whom you work; let your friends know how much you value their friendship; be kind to those who test your patience; be non-judgmental towards those who don’t share your values or views; give time to those who depend on your presence; listen to those who seek your understanding; help those who are in need….and above all don’t ever let a day go by during which you don’t tell the important people in your life how much you love them. It may be the last opportunity you get – how tragic if you were to miss it! |
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