December 11 The mayo, chicken, and milk was bad?

As we approach the end of the year, we can choose to see the best of the worst or the best of the best. There will be lots of top ten or even top one hundred programs put together. They will highlight the best or the worst. As leaders, what we highlight and work on with our team is important. It sets the standard and focus. Should we choose to think about the worst and how we were harmed? Shall we allow our minds to cower and run from fear? Maybe a better use of our time today is to focus on what is glorious or even wondrous. Where will you set the bar with your mindset? Where we place our mindset is very important. Our brains are wired to recognize and pay attention to the negative. We have many more receptors for the chemical cortisol. That chemical functions to heighten our stressing capacities. Our breathing will quicken and so will our heartbeat when it is present. If our team is going to have our levels raised, one might desire that they be raised by the excitement of a bigger future. A bigger future is more aligned with the best of the best list and improving upon them. If you are going to share a top ten list with your team for the end of the year, which list will you present?  Perhaps your focus on a best of the best list will serve as a launch pad for what is ahead. What is the first thing you can do to make that list?

In our faith walk, we have a choice as well. What will we give to honor our relationship with Jesus? Does our Savior want the best, just what is ok, or how about the least of what you have to give? We read, “But you dishonor my name with your actions. By bringing contemptible food, you are saying it is all right to defile the Lord’s table.” Malachi 1:12 NLT. Have you ever been offered a food that you suspected was not at its peak? I think that could be an easy definition of contemptible food. Do you stay clear of the mayonnaise bowl on the buffet line when the food has been out for hours? Why would we do anything less when we think about what we give to God? If we give to the food drive or food pantry, do we give expired food or give the best that we have? Do we keep for ourselves what is best or give the best as God has asked? In our relationship with God, we can plan to give the best. To do so will require our focus to monitor and change our attitudes. We can keep the concept fresh for the whole year by renewing our commitment at least weekly. Evaluating weekly keeps the idea at the top of our mind and hopefully at the tip of our tongues. What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, thank you for so many gifts that are indescribable. You give us the best that you have to give. Help us to honor our relationship with you with the best of our worship, the best of our actions and the best of our thoughts. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,

Mark Queen

Catalyst for Excellence

www.corescore.net