I've got joy

This is the year of audacious joy. Since I chose that as the theme for the year our circumstances have improved, but difficulty and uncertainty have not disappeared. They have simply changed shape, taken on a new form in recent months. My happiness is not determined by these things.

We are living with a LOT more luxury and comfort than we have in recent years. My happiness is not determined by these things.

I have been learning the depths of truth found in Philippians 4:12

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.


This poetic statement was written from a prison cell. I am not living in that circumstance. (thankfully!)

I have noticed many times in recent months joy pouring out from the inside of me. Not because what I am doing at that particular moment is necessarily fun, but because something has changed on the inside. I hope to hold on to this and take it with me wherever I go. I hope it becomes a constant in my life, rather than a sporadic event.

My happiness is NOT determined by circumstances. Neither is yours, whatever circumstance you are facing.

just Sheri, learning to be content

the little engine that could...

I have decided that one of my responsibilities as a tutor is to share American culture with my student. What better way to do that than through a popular children's book?

On a recent weekday, two grown-ups sat in a library and read aloud "The Little Engine that Could."

I hadn't planned on it being a good opportunity to teach about the rhythm of the English language...nor old school words that aren't used that often anymore. My thoughts were rather shallow actually. Ahh, this is a popular children's book that adults still refer to often. That should be good.

We ended up having an insightful conversation about character qualities. She has the best questions.

Q: How would you describe the attitude of the little blue engine?


Optimistic. Do you know that word?

No. What does it mean?


I wrote it down. Then wrote the best definition I could come up with without the use of a dictionary.

Optimistic: believing the best about people or situations. Believing that you can, even when it's hard or challenging. Believing the challenge is not too big.

The opposite of optimistic is pessimistic. Do you know that word?

No.


Pessimistic: believing that people are bad or situations are too hard. Viewing the challenge as too big.

The little blue engine was also helpful and kind. The little blue engine was confident that even though he had not tried to go over the mountain before, he could do it.

How would you describe the attitude of the other trains?


Some of the other trains were arrogant, believing that they were too important to help the toys when they asked. Do you know the word arrogant?

No. What does it mean?


Arrogant...pause. I was not really sure how to define arrogance. Then I explained that when we say someone is "arrogant" it is not a compliment. I guess arrogance can be describe as being overly confident.

Yes. I understand. Too much confidence.


TOO MUCH confidence.


This is a good story. I am going to read it to my little sister. It has a good lesson.


just Sheri, reminded about character from a children's book

quotable quotes: leader as servant

I have VERY strong opinions about how a leader should conduct themselves...and what a leader should not do. Max Dupree has a quote that summarizes my view of a good leader:

"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant."   ~ Max DuPree

There are far too few leaders who lead in this way - serving their team, acknowledging their efforts, looking out for others interests above their own.  There are too few individuals who live their lives in this way.

Since returning to America, I have noticed the culture fosters a belief that we MUST look out for ourselves. We MUST get ours before someone else gets theirs. It is prevalent in business, as well as personal relationships. It is unfortunate as I believe the service in between is the most important part. The service in between is what produces true influence. The service in between is what changes the world.

just Sheri, noticing the value of servant-leaders

 

mid-career - whatever that means!

I think I have reached a new stage in life. I am no longer an inexperienced novice. Nor am I a well-seasoned veteran. I am that strange in-between. I have some experiences under my belt, but I still have a lot to learn.

I think they call this "mid-career."

I started to realize this about myself when returning to the USA. The jobs I was looking at required a certain level of experience. I met the requirements. That is a new occurrence. It wasn't so long ago that I would have read the requirements and been under the preferred threshold. I might have considered applying anyway, knowing it is was a stretch, but believing the company should take a chance on me. This time I did not have to debate that question, it was more a matter of whether or not I thought the position was worth the effort.

I've also noticed that recent months have brought about another new phenomena. I have been spending a lot of time with young women answering questions, listening to their stories, and hearing about their dreams. They are asking me how to get there. What do I know? Not much. I could probably tell you what NOT to do.

These events have me questioning my placement on the growth curve - have I reached the dreaded "mid-career?" If not, yet, I am probably pretty close.

Is this a good or a bad thing? I am not sure.

just Sheri, wondering how I got here

Career in Philanthropy?

Recently, I had to fill out a form. Probably for a doctors office. It had a question I have been asked before and often makes me pause.

Occupation.

I don't have a clue how to answer this. After years of trial and error on numerous customs forms and visa applications, I came to the vague description of "NGO manager." This assumes of course that the person reading the form knows that NGO stands for non-governmental organization. The whole thing wouldn't fit in the space provided so I settled for the acronym.

Now I work for a small office of three people and manage no one. What should I put in that pesky box?

I was told my new career is "philanthropy." Hmmm...that doesn't sit right with me. I feel the two words "career" and "philanthropy" don't match.

I have always viewed philanthropy as a way of being - concern for humanity, generosity or showing kindness to the needy. It is best when consistent in our lives...but as a career? That seems to taint it, somehow. It seems dirty to be getting something (pay, recognition, awards) from doing what is supposed to be about others. At least that is how I see it.

So, I am left with an unanswered question - what is my career? I don't know. Suggestions are welcome.

just Sheri, stumped