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
Well, I’m back. The world did not come to an end because I stepped away to spend time – real time – with the people I love most in this world. In fact, despite my taking a vacation, everything seems to have rolled along beautifully.
Amazing!
Kim and I actually can hit pause, enjoy rich time with family and friends, and invest in exploring God’s creation.
[Full disclosure: I have become far more attached to my digital devices since the last time I took a true vacation. So, I found it rather challenging to totally disconnect. But I would say that it went better than I anticipated and provided huge benefits and insights into what is really important to me – as well as powerful direction for the future of Triune Leadership Services.]
3 key lessons I am taking away from this unplugged vacation are:
- Stepping away from the fray and day-to-day stresses is critical to maintaining high performance.
- You need to intentionally slow things down before you can truly focus on people and relationships.
- God provides people and signals in your life to help guide decisions and direction — if you are listening.
So where to go from here?
First, I am committing to be consistent in taking time to unplug on an annual basis.
Second, I am backing off on my weekly writing commitment. You’ll still be hearing from me, but on more of a monthly or 2x a month basis. I determined that one of my biggest areas of stress was continually coming up with something fresh and valuable to write every week. After almost 7 years of never missing a week’s blog, I was feeling that I was starting to force the issue as opposed to listening to what God wanted me to share. I am going to be more patient and obedient to that guidance, and write to you only when God puts a message on my heart to share.
Third, I am doubling down on both my face-to-face training and consulting work, as well as my executive coaching. There is nothing I like more than helping people become the servant leaders that God created them to be. I am so inspired by working directly with people and seeing the incredible impact they are having on this world. Being in the same room – physically – with the leaders that God brings into my life brings me endless energy!!
Thank you all for your support and encouragement as I took this time to re-connect with the purpose in my life, and how to best play it out. I look forward to continuing to serve you as you continue your journey of leading Jesus’ way!
Blessings,
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
Philippians 2:13
You are one amazing leader Mark! Thank you for sharing your God given talents.
You’re welcome Sue. I’m humbled by your comment and appreciate it! Blessings to you and your family!
Mark,
God’s nudges can sometimes send us off in a different direction, but, it’s always the right direction! Thanks for being constant in your love for Jesus. Whenever He nudges you for a new blog, I will look forward to reading that great message in my email!
God is good all the time!
Marla
You are so right Marla – “it is always the right direction!” Thank you so much for your affirming comments. Blessings to you and your family!
Thanks for unplugging Mark. I like to think you plugged in more solidly to the true source of Wisdom and life, Jesus! Without Him, we can do nothing. I support you decision… to write what he gives you… great! Blessings on your day.
Ben, you are so right on! I can do nothing without Jesus, and plugging into Him makes all things possible. I ALWAYS appreciate your wisdom and insight as well. You are such a blessing to all those within your sphere of influence. You were lifted up big time in a couple of Leadership Portraits I heard a couple of weeks ago. The light of Jesus is truly shining through you!! Blessings to you and your family as well!
Thank you Mark for your Leadership and your time with God.
God’s Blessings be with you.
You’re welcome Mike! It is a true blessing to serve alongside people like yourself who love Jesus and have a heart for serving others. Blessings on your day!
Mark,
Thanks for writing again and for taking the time to share the direction God is showing to you. I love that you were able to “walk the talk” and step away! I pray that you are refreshed and restored in all that God has planned for you! You are a true BLESSING!
Thanks Jessie, I really appreciate your encouragement and prayers! Wishing you and your family blessings!
Mark, your ‘unplugged’ venture was valuable in numerous ways. The lessons learned aspect is just one of the reasons your time away was the perfect solution to getting centered and finding your true north. Your scrupulous inspection of what you want Triune Leadership Services to look like and holding it up to what God has planned is going to pay you back in compounded benefits. It brings so much peace to know when you are taking the next right step. God bless you abundantly in all the ways that matter.
Jane, I agree 100%. Thanks so much for your continued invaluable insights and encouragement. Blessings to you as well!
Thanks so much for this post! I have been praying about what to share with some college students this evening and had a direction I wasn’t happy with. This has moved me in a better direction. Great timing! Thanks for your leadership!
Nichole, that is simply God at work! Awesome!! Thanks for sharing that, and I appreciate your kind comments. Blessings on the great work you are doing with your students.
I will continue to read every word written no matter how often they come. You always inspire and motivate me as no one has done for me before. Thank you
Jean, that is so nice of you to say! Humbled, and appreciative of you and the significant positive impact you are having within your sphere of influence. Blessings on all the fabulous work you are doing!
Mark – us old guys in Jackson had been wondering if you forgot how to type! Thank you for the wisdom too. I will be in touch soon.
God Bless You
mark
Hi Mark,
Yes I have had a few people wondering where I was at with my blog. I will be posting one this week that you will receive on Wednesday! I appreciate you missing it!! Gives me more motivation to write when I have things God puts on my heart. Blessings on your week!
Mark