“The Land of Opportunity is more than a place…it’s a state of mind.  It is an openness to new ideas, a willingness to listen, an eagerness to learn, a desire to grow, and the flexibility to change.”  from “A Peacock in the Land of Penguins”

Are you being your true self?  If not, why not?

The king had a fleet of trading ships that sailed with Hiram’s fleet. Once every three years the ships returned, loaded down with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.  (1 Kings 10:22; NLT)

Many of you who know me, know that one of my  many “quirks” is my disdain for neckties.  I believe that comes from 25 years of “paying my dues” in a large corporation acting the part and playing the game.  In retrospect, one of the greatest gifts ever given to me was the opportunity make a very graceful exit by taking advantage of a rewarding down-sizing program.  That opened the door for me to enter seminary in my late 40’s and virtually start anew. 

That’s the backdrop to the delightful wisdom presented in the latest creation from Mac Anderson that arrived in my inbox just yesterday.  As I’ve used his material several times in the past, you may remember that Mac Anderson is the founder of Simple Truths and Successories, Inc., and is widely acknowledged as a leader in designing and marketing products for motivation and recognition.

The short, three-minute movie has some priceless corporate America lines like, “You could have a bright future here…you just need to change to fit in.”  “Why don’t you put on a penguin suit?”  And “This is the way we’ve always done things here.”  Interestingly enough, coming out of seminary, I was disappointed to learn that these very same lines are pretty popular in churches as well.  Could that be some of what is causing so many to view the church as increasingly irrelevant?

Anyway, all that “personal baggage” aside, I think you’ll truly enjoy today’s link.  And remember, “The Land of Opportunity is more than a place…it’s a state of mind.”  BTW, what state is your mind in these days?

Prayer Power
Lord, give us the grace to remember that an open mind, a desire to grow, an eagerness to learn, and the flexibility are all wondrous gifts from you.  Help us to be cognizant of those times when we have chosen to not operate in those gifts.

Link of the Day
A Peacock in the Land of Penguins

Blessings on you as you allow yourself to fully express and be proud of who God has made you to be…even at you’re workplace.