This is an excerpt from the March SR – Thirteen years ago the General Council Transition Team asked me to interview for the position of the Executive Director of the SDB Conference. I couldn’t believe that they would want to talk to me, why me?  I was involved in the Golf Industry for the past 20 years!  What could I bring to the table?  And I know that there were others out there that thought just like me. 

I have now been in this job for almost thirteen years (May 15)!  So, what have I learned? Please allow me to share 22 things:

1. You don’t know what you don’t know.

You cannot speak on something you don’t know about.  I had to learn the real culture of Seventh Day Baptists. If I didn’t, how could I speak into it?

2. Don’t let little things get to you.

Does it really matter who said to do something first? You might get the acclaim you were seeking and loose the teamwork you were building. Don’t sweat the small stuff because little things don’t matter.

3. Patience is a virtue!

I don’t know where all of my patience came from when I started this job (Yes, I really do know where it came from but wasn’t expecting it). Even my wife commented on how patient I had become, especially when something happened that I had every right to go berserk about. (I believe this is the first time I ever used the word berserk in an article). Patience has paid off in so many circumstances.

4. Working hard doesn’t always mean working smart.

Just because you might work 12-16 hours a day doesn’t mean you’re being effective. You can be more affective by working and serving smarter. Then you have more time for other ministry areas.

5. Taking care of you first is a must!

I know there might be those out there that would say you are not serving correctly if you take care of yourself first. But that is not the case! You cannot help others in their role if you are sick, tired and worn out. In taking care of you first, you are then in a position to help others in the best possible way. If you are out of the picture, due to issues you could have avoided, how are you any help to others?

Don’t let little things get to you.

Does it really matter who is right about who did what chore in the house? You might win the fight, but you lose the battle. Don’t sweat the small stuff because little things don’t matter.

Next Blog…6-10