Tag Archives: do something

It’s a pursuit. Not a chase.

“Chase your dreams”

Chances are someone has said that to you more than once & this time of year seems to be a popular one to start chasing.

But when was the last time you heard the word “chase” used in a positive context other than “chase your dreams?” 

Chasing down a runaway toddler. Chasing girls. A high speed chase. 

Chase usually implies that the object running really does not want to be caught & that the chaser is exhausted. It’s not typically a labor of love but rather something done out of obligation.

In a conversation with a friend the other day I began to wonder why, then, we tell people to “chase their dreams.” When I hear that I envision someone desperately trying to grasp at whatever “next thing” may get them somewhere, get them noticed. Long term relationships don’t often start with a chase. No, they start with a pursuit. 

Pursue your dream…I like the sounds of that. It implies a love & affection in the motivation. A calling of sorts. A purpose. If I were your dream I’d want to be pursued, not chased. Wouldn’t you?

But here’s the catch: A chase is a sprint. A pursuit is a marathon. Pursuit takes time. You have to “woo” the object of your pursuit. There may be no less frustration in either case but if you’re pursuing your dream your love of it gets you through the frustration. And that pursuit is much more likely to turn into a long term relationship than a chase.

Pursue your dreams this year. And then come back & tell me how it goes. 

1 Comment Deep Thinking, Just Life

Ponder…Begin

All this will not be finished in the first hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first thousand days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.
-John F. Kennedy

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need to be reminded that I cannot do everything but that shouldn’t stop me from doing something. That just because I might not see the end of something doesn’t mean I can’t see the beginning.

Comment Ponder...

Different Eyes

A couple of weeks ago I read this: “…the experience of many travelers today, who compose their experience through camera lenses as they go and then take the pixelated images home with them in place of memories,” in this article: “Too Many Lenses, Too Few Eyes.”

A couple of days ago I listened to photographer Esther Havens speak at the Echo Conference and was challenged and inspired. Three thoughts she shared stuck with me:

1. Don’t just go to tell stories, be a part of the story.

2. Are you doing a job or connecting with people?

3. Awareness without action is pointless.

The full connection of these two things is still processing in my head and I don’t know exactly what it means. But, I do know that I am challenged and inspired to do something about what I see and what I know…and to see with different eyes…eyes that are not always my own.

Comment Deep Thinking, Missions, Relationships

Take Note…

It is easy for people and groups of people who are making a difference to get lost in all of the noise today. Take Note is my new attempt to maybe help you cut through a small piece of that noise and share with you some of the amazing people and organizations I know of that are doing incredible things. If nothing else, it’s always good to give a couple of shout-outs and spread a little love, right?

  • Good World Creative: If you are a creative with a heart to make a difference with that gift, check out this site (or follow them on twitter: @GWCreative) and get involved. This is a new collaborative project that I just heard about but one that I think is going to do incredible things!
  • Our Shirts Don’t Suck: The name is catchy, yes. But, their customer service is what will keep you around. These awesome peeps did all of our apparel for us at The CORE. Not only do they have a huge heart for serving ministries but they are awesome at what they do. If you are going to Echo Conference this week be sure to find them & say “hi!”
  • Mocha Club: This organization is “redefining the coffee break” as they say. The concept is simple: with just $7/mo (roughly the price of 2 mochas) you can make a difference in a variety of projects that Mocha Club runs in Africa. I recently started a team which is supporting orphans & vulnerable children. Click here if you want to join me.

Do you know of an organization or individual that we should be taking note of? I’d love to hear about it!

Comment Take Note