Throughout my life, I have had the privilege to meet some of this world’s most talented and gifted people. I’ve met world leaders, corporate giants, and everyday folks that accomplished extraordinary things. Some were remarkable athletes, some possessed brilliant minds, and still others were just at the right place and the right time…or the right person destined to be at the wrong place at the wrong time only to be that chosen person needed for that special encounter.
One night recently, after meeting a young Solutionary named Alex Sheen, I sat alone in a quiet hotel room, reflecting on the message he gave to me. He challenged me to honor my promises and my commitments and to do so regardless of the personal cost. Through the loss of his father, he was inspired to live a life of commitment; sharing that lesson with world. With a near blank card, he is changing the world one person as a time. Every promise he makes is delivered using a hand written statement placed on a small card always ending with these five powerful words, “because I said I would”. Though he gives these cards to the person he made the promise to, he emphasizes to that person that the card still belongs to him and that he will reclaim the card once the promise has been fulfilled.
This young man’s passionate lesson would not leave me alone. It caused me to do some personal soul searching about the life I have lived. The places I’ve been, the people I met, and the lives I have touched. Many of these experiences brought back fond memories; some making me laugh out loud in the quiet solitude of that empty space. Some stirred me to tears; recalling past pains, lost loved one, and missed opportunities. All in all, I concluded, I have been extremely blessed far beyond what I probably deserved.
Then the contemplation turned to the sole question, “What have I truly accomplished?” I started by listing in my head what I conceived as accomplishments. Projects that I started and finished, positions I held throughout career, and the dreams that I have satisfied through the journey of my life. It was such a long list I had to eventually write them down on a piece of paper. Looking down at the list, I was amazed but only at a self indulgent level.
“What would others say that I have accomplished?” I would like to believe, that those who know me, would be able to mirror my list but would they really think that those gold rings were truly important? It is my hope and silent prayer that in the eyes of those I have encountered through the years, that they assess that I have indeed been a good husband, father, and friend. Then a quote from King Solomon came to mind. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Alex did not set out to change me or any one else. That is not his purpose nor should it be. His purpose, as well as my own, is to make it easier for others change themselves. His message stirred me to change. Not because he wanted me to but because I wanted to. So from now on, to make sure that I never forget the true purpose of what I write, I will add this tag line to all of my work.
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
