Stumbling Blocks and Stepping Stones

 Have you ever had someone tell you that they "can't" do something or that they couldn't make a change in some aspect of their lives because of their circumstances or situation? If we really sit back and reflect we may come to the realization that we are guilty of accepting our limitations as barriers to our progress. I've never been one to allow what appears to be a stop sign be a barrier, but over the years I have deepened my resolve even more. From my perspective, we can either learn from, adapt to, or deal with the roadblocks in our lives or if we choose to let those same roadblocks determine our destiny we will wind up settling for less than what God has planned for our lives. 

Today's Flat Tire title references two types of rocks, a stumbling block and a stepping stone. When you visualize the two do you see two distinctly different rocks or are those two invariably the same? Well, for me, I see two identical rocks, but I also see those two rocks having two completely different purposes. The stumbling block serves as a deterrent to progress. To hinder of stop us from going where we need to be, or to keep us from becoming who we were created to be, the stumbling block gives us an excuse to accept our limitations and thus accept defeat. Common stumbling blocks could include physical attributes, financial status, family background, or life's circumstance whatever that might be. Too often we allow a stumbling block to be our go to response as to why we aren't moving forward or taking on one of life's challenges. It becomes easy to lay the blame on something that in our mind we deem as impossible to overcome. This debilitating mindset allows us to fall short of our purpose and in our mind we have the perfect explanation for why we aren't moving forward, our stumbling block has ceased our progress. The common mantra becomes, "Well if you had to deal with ________________, you'd understand." The stumbling block mentality gives a person permission to accept defeat and limitations as a normal part of life. The good news is life isn't about limits, it is more about limitlessness. 

On the other side of the spectrum is the stepping stones mindset. When someone with a stepping stones mentality sees a pile of rocks blocking their way, they don't see a barrier, instead they see a pile of rocks that just need to be stacked up to form a tool for climbing up to the next level of life. Stepping stones are easily confused with stumbling blocks because they are one in the same rock. The difference is successful leaders look at that rock as a means to an end. When I think of the Bible story of the life of Joseph, he is a true example of someone who used stumbling blocks to build the stepping stones to lift him out of the pit that his brothers threw their youngest sibling in as a youth (Genesis 37). 

Joseph's life was full of stumbling blocks, from the aforementioned pit experience, to being wrongly accused in his master Potiphar's house, to his inevitable dissent into prison, Joseph took each stumbling block and stacked them up to create a set of stepping stones leading him to his purposed position of second in command to the Egyptian Pharaoh. (Genesis 41). At any point along his life's trajectory, many of us would have settled on the idea that life is just that way and that's just the way it is. (Stumbling block for sure). For Joseph, he never stopped believing that God had a purpose for his life and that ultimately as long as he kept working at it, God's plan would be fulfilled. (Stepping stones for sure). 

Towards the end of Joseph's story in the Book of Genesis, Joseph finally confronts his brothers regarding the toss into the pit and selling their father's favorite son into slavery. His brothers feared the worst, retribution was sure to be headed their way, yet Joseph's stepping stone mentality provided a means for forgiveness and reconciliation. In Genesis 50:20 Joseph explains it this way to his elder brothers, "You planned to do a bad thing to me. But God planned it for good, to make it happen that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." Today the question you need to ask yourself is "Am I using the circumstances of my life to be a stumbling block to what God intended me to do with the life He gave me to live?" Or, "Am I using those same stumbling blocks to build a staircase of stepping stones to elevate my life to where God purposed me to be?" Same rock, two distinctly different perspectives. 

Coach Carter

Take the Stairs

 Over the years I've developed a habit of taking the stairs instead of an elevator whenever possible. Between work travel and family vacations I get many chances to practice that choice, so on a day to day basis, choosing the steps just comes naturally. Now when I say I choose taking the steps you have to keep in mind that there are two options involved, walking up and walking down. Obviously one of these is a little easier than the other, walking down follows gravity so it doesn't require near as much energy. The direct opposite is true for walking up a set of stairs. Effort and energy have to be exerted for an upward ascent, but that upward march provides much more in the area of exercise and health benefits. Taking the elevator is quicker and requires much less effort on our part, but I would challenge everyone to take the stairs every now and then, be different and give it a try. 

This week's Flat Tire Thought was given to me while I was at a recent conference in the confines of the Great Smokey Mountains. The hotel site where the conference was located offers beautiful mountain views from one side and from the other side, the nighttime city lights twinkle and sparkle each night offering a picturesque view as well. I'll back track off my original claim of always taking the stairs by filing a disclaimer. When I check in with my bags I don't take the stairs, so riding up to the tenth floor to unload was a no brainer. From there the trip downstairs was an easy one, spiraling stairs on a downward trajectory made the 10 floor jaunt an easy task. From there checking in for the conference, networking with colleagues, and reviewing the day's schedule of events led me to the conclusion that it was time to head back up to my room to freshen up and grab my laptop before our first gathering. That is when today's message was shared with me. 

Walking up two or three flights of steps is the norm in most of my travels, but I had not given as much thought to this particular room assignment until I started up the stairs. My room was located on the tenth floor which created a much more challenging hike, that required a great deal more of my energy and stamina. The first four or five flights of stairs weren't anything out of the ordinary, but as I climbed upward towards floors seven through ten, I could really feel my lungs contracting more frequently, as the pep in my step seemed to falter just a bit. Walking up to the tenth floor was more of a challenge, but when I reached my room and reflected on my hike up the stairs I realized I had so much to be grateful and thankful for. 

Grateful for my health that allowed me to successfully ascend those ten flights of stairs. Thankful that my knees allow me to still do all I want to do. I was even more appreciative when I took a few minutes to catch my breath and look around at the view this particular room offered. I had stayed at this hotel in the past, but my rooms had been situated more on the lower third to fifth floors. This upper level floor gave me a new perspective by allowing me to see further and at a higher level which was simply breathtaking. East Tennessee is a beautiful section of our state and the Smokies don't disappoint. I suppose the point I would like to share is I could have taken the elevator and I would have had the same views to take in, but I don't think I would have given much thought to my health and all that I am able to do that constitutes as a blessing. Thank you, Lord, for my legs that carried me up the stairs. Thank you for my vision that allows me to take in the beauty of nature and all other aspects of this world in which we live. And Lord probably most importantly, I thank you for the ability to realize how blessed I am in all aspects of my life. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! 

So, what is the takeaway today? Take the stairs when possible? Well it's more than that, but yes take the stairs be different. Yet more than that, take the time to reflect on all that you have been given. Too often we forget the simple everyday blessings God has given us. The health of our bodies, the beauty of God's creation, and give thanks for the struggle that the upward set of stairs in your life. We learn and we grow through the struggles more than we do on a flat, laid out stroll, so start looking for the blessing instead of focusing on the struggle. As you travel in and out of each day, climbing upwards or even as your journey lands you in a downward trajectory do not lose hope, you are not alone. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:18 Givethanks for the stairs in your life, God is taking you on a journey and He is right there with you! 

 

Coach Carter

Wisdom Spots

From where I stand the best approach to our physical health comes in the form of a preventive schedule which includes an annual overall physical, regular dental exam, and a yearly dermatologist visit, all done to ensure everything is working the way it should and there aren't unforeseen issues that need more immediate attention. Well, a few weeks ago I completed my annual skin check at my dermatologist's office. I had noticed what I would describe as something similar to a rash without any discoloration or discomfort near my ankles, so I wanted to be sure and inquire about that minor issue. Upon examination, my doctor informed me that in her opinion those were what she labelled wisdom spots. At first, I didn't read into what she was saying, and for those of you that are still under the 50-year mark, you too may not understand what she was telling me. I asked what I had done to obtain the tiny bumps and she looked at me with a simple smile and informed me that I had earned those little bumps by living out a life of 60+ years. In other words, I earned the wisdom spots because I was old! That "Aha" moment created a little chuckle from inside and from there she finished up her visual scan and I was awarded a clean bill of skin health.

 

After I checked out from the doctor's office and began my drive home, I reflected on the whole idea of earning those "wisdom spots" just by getting older. Of all the things I've been earning as I get older, the majority of them aren't making me feel that much better. I guess you could say I've earned readers due to my vision acuity decreasing, I've earned joint pains and body issues that can only be attributed to the longevity of life that I have been awarded. Yet, as I reflect on all the body aches and pains that have accompanied me in the aging process, it has been a blessing to gain certain mental strengths along the way as well. The doctor's label of wisdom spots being directly associated with growing older, opened my mind to the notion that wisdom in its purest form is gained through life's experiences over time and the application of those lessons learned (hopefully learned) is directly connected in our thoughts and decision-making process as life ebbs and flows. 

Unfortunately, the majority of the human race is not born being wise. In the Book of Job, we are reminded that "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long-life bring understanding?" Job 12:12. In other words, don't we get it, as we get older our life experiences teach us what to do and what to say in certain situations where we might have had to learn the hard way in our younger days. For our younger selves’ wisdom is an elusive character trait. Our impulsiveness causes us to learn the hard way, through experience. So, knowing that we gain wisdom through our mistakes and downfalls, wouldn't it be "wise" to accept the darts and dings that we receive along life's journey for their ultimate good in equipping us with more wisdom to circumvent life today? 

In theory, we can probably agree with that philosophical stance, yet the hard part of understanding that life's ups and downs are what allow us to become the man or woman that God created us to be is that we have to endure those hardships, trials, and tribulations first. The problem there is most of us don't voluntarily sign up for our lives to be vexed with health, relational, or even financial troubles. Transversely, when those learning opportunities hit, our common response is "Why me Lord?" When actually the trial we are enduring has placed us into training for what we will eventually use as wise counsel in our own decision-making process and also for others as they seek wise counsel.

In the Book of James, we are presented first with a question and then a charge to all that consider themselves wise. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13. Let our good life be an example of the wisdom we have earned through our loyal commitment to God our Father. As we stay the course and endure what life throws our way, we gain an insider track to how God can use us not only as an encouragement after our challenging circumstances subside, but also while we are in the midst of life's storms and calamities. During those times we are not alone, God reminds us over and over again that He is with us and He will carry us through the valleys and shadows of life's not so good experiences. (Duet. 31:8, John 15:26-27, Psalms 23:4). 

Avoiding life's struggles with a mindset of growth is always advantageous, is it easy, no. Is it worth it in the long run? I would vote resoundingly yes! We can impart wise counsel on others, but just as I had to earn those wisdom spots on my ankles, wisdom is earned through experience. What we can do is help those struggling with life's challenges by encouraging them and sharing wise counsel that will assist them in their own quest for life's offer of wisdom. 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5.

Coach Carter

Weeks, Days, Minutes

Disclaimer to today's Flat Tire Ministries Thought: Today I am sharing a message on hope. References are made to substance addiction, divorce, and suicide as three instances where hope is lost. As in all of life's situations there are countless contributing factors and each addiction, divorce, or choice to end one's life is unique. I do not want to oversimplify the complexity of circumstances, yet the faith I have in my God tells me that hope is real and that hope can carry me through whatever life throws my way. Thank you for reading and sharing. Coach Carter

What is it that allows a person to become addicted to a drug? What is that final straw that breaks the camel's back and causes a husband and wife to call it quits and file for divorce? What is the breaking point where someone moves from a state of depression or sorrow and chooses to end their life? These are sobering questions for us all, yet I believe there is a recurring response to each of the questions posed above. When a person feels like there is no way around it, over it, or through it, it is possible that a feeling of hopelessness could enter someone's mind. I believe the moment we lose hope is the beginning of hopeless responses to life's situations and circumstances. Today, I want to encourage you, no, encourage is too light, I want to implore you to never give up and to never quit! The foundation of hope lies in our faith that God has a plan and it is our responsibility to fulfill God's plan regardless of what we are facing. May God's plan be fulfilled in us and through the life we are to live for His Kingdom.

A person can live without food for weeks. When it comes to fluids, the body can only last a few days without water. But, when the topic is hope, a person can become hopeless in a matter of minutes. How is that possible you may be asking? I haven't been there myself, but it is a reality that should not be experienced. Whatever creates that tipping point, the absence of hope is what allows a person to drop into a state of mind where there is no hope left to be found. I started today's message with three questions about addictions, divorces, and the tragic reality of suicide. That is not an all inclusive list of areas in life that are predicated by a loss of hope, but those three hit a cord with me and I wanted to share my thoughts with you today. 

We have been given the ability to choose life or death so we control that choice. Divorce ends just under 50% of all marriages. The choice to give up on your marriage is made with our free will in mind. Substance addiction controls the lives of roughly 50 million people in the United States. People do not choose to be addicted, but there is a choice that is made which continues the pathway of destruction that addictions create. Suicide ranks as one of the leading causes of death for people of all ages. Other than suicide all of the other top causes of death are health related such as heart or liver disease. A person can impact their heart or liver health, but for the most part those are diseases that we ultimately have little control over. Suicide is a mental decision option of which a person ultimately chooses. Where do these three life altering instances cross paths? I firmly believe the answer is found at the point where hope is lost. 

So where is hope nurtured and how is it that any two people in similar situations could have such a varying range in their responses to a life situation? For me, the difference is that my hope is grounded in a promise that has been guaranteed to each of us over and over again throughout the Bible. It sounds easy, almost too easy for me to sit here and proclaim that as long as you trust in God your faith will provide you with a hope that carries us through whatever life throws our way. Instead, I would counter that faith is based in believing, but from there trusting and walking with God takes more than just believing in God. James 2:19 tells us that even demons believe that God is real, but that doesn't mean the evil one places any trust in God. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." For me, faith is active, growing, developing a stamina which will be there when the trials and tragedies of life hit hardest. When life feels like it is impossible for us to handle, our faith provides us the hope we need through the promise Jesus shared in Mark 10:27 "... with man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." God is able to see us through where this world falls short. 

Romans 8:28 tells us that all thing work together for good, in Isaiah 41:10 God promises that He will be with us and give us strength, and in Luke 1:37 we are told that nothing is impossible with God. I could continue to share scriptures that support trusting in God. Those scriptures are only meaningful and useful if we place our trust in God and allow our faith to create a hope that won't fail. God has a plan, trust Him and allow God to see you through whatever comes your way! 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Coach Carter

Knowing, Growing, & Sowing

Earlier today Ethan, Bogi, and I got to spend a few hours paddling down the Holston River. It was a perfect getaway for the Labor Day weekend. Floating down a river for some rest and relaxation with my two boys was exactly what I needed. Floating down the Holston River also served as an inspiration for the introduction to today's Flat Tire Ministries thought. 

Are you just floating down the river of life, aimlessly allowing the current to take you where it may, or are you navigating and paddling downstream with a purpose and plan to have a positive impact on the world in which you live each and every day that our Lord and Savior has given us to live? In my daily devotional time I recently encountered a thought shared by John Maxwell which led me to today's title, "Knowing, Growing, & Sowing".

Above I referenced our trip down the river of life. For most of us that journey would include a destination. What Maxwell suggests is that life here on earth is not about a certain destination, but more about the continued journey we each make, and how we use the time we have been given as we navigate our unique life's journey. For our purpose today, the destination I'm referencing isn't the one we all hope to gain when this life is over, instead when I mention settling in on a destination, it is more in terms of a feeling like we have arrived at a place in life where we can just float along and all is good. What I want to share today is the realization that life itself is all about the journey and in that journey we have three responsibilities as we navigate the river of life. Knowing or realizing our purpose in life, committing to constantly growing our potential to impact more lives, and then ultimately sowing into the lives of others so that they will produce this same cycle of continuous service over self. 

Knowing. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7. In this verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs us to seek out our purpose in this life we have been given to live. We all have a job or career, there is some semblance of a family in each of our lives, and we all have a calendar whether it is set up by the hour, day, month, or possibly a five year plan, but what drives our plans? Are we aimlessly floating or do we know exactly why we are paddling in a specific trajectory? Seeking God's purpose for our lives means we are spending time in His Word, then praying and meditating on how we should be applying what we have absorbed into our daily lives. Growing. When I consider  growing I think about what plants and animals need to grow and be productive. The nourishment we provide to a fruit tree will determine the positive or negative impact on the productivity of that tree. We are exactly the same as that tree. What we put into our bodies and our minds will have a direct impact on our influence on the world in which we live. We cannot expect others to grow if we aren't first growing our capacity to teach and grow others around us. Sowing. This is where the real perpetual impact of our journey takes place. We aren't asked by God to just sow into the lives of those who we are directly connected. The truth of sowing is that the more bountiful we sow the more bountiful the harvest will be. Additionally, the more bountiful our harvest is will directly impact what the future harvest will be for those we have nurtured and grown to become the next generation of sowers. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." II Corinthians 9:6. 

If you know your purpose in life you are in a great spot. For those that don't necessarily know what you were destined to impact during your time here on earth then there is no better time than today to start seeking your purpose. As you establish your role and purpose you have the opportunity and responsibility to grow and increase your capacity to impact as many people as possible through your influence and service. Once you know and as you grow, it is important to sow abundantly and sow without ceasing!

Coach Carter