Jon Stolpe
Jon Stolpe
I Would Walk 500…
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle
In April of 2018, I started a streak.
I decided to walk at least 10,000 steps that day. 12,721 steps.
The next day, I decided to walk at least 10,000 steps again. 12,806 steps.
Then, I did it again for three days in a row. 13,515 steps.
The streak continues, and today I hit a significant milestone – 500 DAYS IN A ROW! (I have 14,460 steps as I type this, and I’m getting ready to go on a walk with Leanne.)
That’s right. For the past 500 days, I have walked at least 10,000 steps every day.
Some of those steps have taken place on a treadmill. Some of happened in airports throughout terminals and even around baggage claim carousels. I’ve walked in my basement. I’ve walked in Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Guatemala. I’ve walked in rain, snow, sunshine, moonlight, and complete darkness. I’ve walked inside and outside. I’ve walked in extreme heat and extreme cold.
I’ve kept the streak alive one step at a time.
Walking every day has given me the opportunity to think, to listen, to enjoy God’ creation, to talk to other people (in person or on the phone), to learn, and to find money (I’ve probably found over $20 during these walks).
The Proclaimers recorded a song that is fitting for today – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles):
But I would walk 500 miles
Charles S. Reid & Craig M. Reid – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walks a thousand miles
To fall down at your door
500 days of walking is just the beginning. I don’t know how long the streak will last, but I know it has been a great benefit for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I will walk 500 more!
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
What habit do you need to start today? What habit do you need to quit today? And what habit do you need to do again tomorrow?
Both Sides of the Story
The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand.
Stephen R. Covey
We listen to reply.
I’ve recently been on a Phil Collins kick. Collins got his start with the band Genesis as their drummer and eventual lead vocalist. Invisible Touch is one of my favorite Genesis albums. He eventually became a solo artist, and his musical work is diverse and amazing (in my opinion). He was especially popular during my junior high and high school years, but I believe his music is still relevant 25-30 years later. (He is still touring if you want to hear some fantastic live music!)
As I was listening to the Phil Collins artist channel on Spotify this week, I heard the song for which I titled this post – Both Sides of the Story.
In the song, Collins uses story telling and song writing to remind listeners that everyone has a story:
Find yourself in the gutter in a lonely part of town
Where death waits in the darkness with a weapon to cut some stranger down
Sleeping with an empty bottle, he’s a sad and an empty hearted man
All he needs is a job, and a little respect, so he can get out while he canWe always need to hear both sides of the story
Phillip David Charles Collins (Both Sides of the Story)
Both sides of the story
I don’t think I’m alone when I say there seems to be a growing chasm between people in our country (and perhaps the world). Without getting political, you can see it in U.S. politics where view points seem so polarized, and there seems little effort on anyone’s part to get to understand why someone else would have a contrary viewpoint. We see it when it comes to perspectives on race, economy, guns, drugs, sexual identity, poverty, etc.
People have a strong viewpoint on many of these issues, and they are often not afraid to state their viewpoint – especially on social media where there is an increase in boldness and a decrease in respect. While having these strong viewpoints, people generally are unwilling to listen to the other side of the story.
When the lights are all on, the world is watching now
Phillip David Charles Collins (Both Sides of the Story)
People looking for truth, we must not fail them now
Be sure, before we close our eyes
Don’t walk away from here
‘Til you see both sides
Our news media doesn’t help from what I can find. News networks like CNN and FOXNews build stories around their viewpoints. They widen the chasm by telling only one side of the story. Despite what they proclaim, they don’t really provide a “fair and balanced” look into the “news.”
Before I let you believe this is the problem of others, let me confess that I need to do a better job getting both sides of the story. I’m quick to shutdown others who don’t share my perspective or to those who simply seem to be adding to the noise and the chasm. I need to listen to both sides of the story too!
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
James 1:19-20
Imagine a world where people listened to the other side of the story. Imagine a world where people approached things with a desire to understand. Imagine a world where disagreements were handled with respect and empathy.
Listening to the other side of the story takes time, humility, closed mouths, and open ears, hearts, and minds.
As we head into a new week, I want to challenge you to stretch yourself. Find ways to respectfully engage with others who are different than you – with people who are coming from a different perspective – with people who have another side to the story. Take time to listen. Work hard to understand. Without compromising your beliefs, find common ground and commit to keep listening and engaging to both sides of the story.
What steps can you take this week to hear the other side of the story?
Godspeed
The other day while I was driving with my wife, I noticed a sign that said “Godspeed” on it along with two other greetings. The sign marked the exit out of a specific township and entry into the adjacent township. For some reason, the word stood out to me.
What in the world is “Godspeed“?
Godspeed is not a word you hear or read every day.
My initial guess would be incredibly fast, God-like speed – like millions of miles an hour. Like a fast rocket ship or a really fast motorcycle or something way faster than I can imagine.
I’m guessing that’s not what the sign meant. I don’t think they were telling me to go really, really fast as I drove out of their community.
So what could it mean when they wrote “Godspeed” on their sign?
I looked it up (naturally). The word “Godspeed” comes from old English, and it is a blessing or a wishing of success along ones journey. In other words, the sign was wishing travelers like me success as we journey beyond the boundaries of the township. (To see what Miriam-Webster has to say about Godspeed, click here.)
Wow! That’s pretty nice!
Today marks the return of our daughter, Hannah, to college for her final year at Messiah College. Leanne and I dropped her off this afternoon for the start of cross-country camp and the beginning of her academic year.
It was a bit sad and a bit exciting all at the same time. We are sad that Hannah’s transition from “childhood” or irresponsible youth is rapidly coming to a close. We are sad that she will be missing from our house for the school year and most likely beyond. But we are also excited. We are excited about the “empty nest” we find ourselves in now that both kids are away at college. We are also excited for the journey that lies ahead of Hannah as she finishes college and launches into her career and into her future.
As we said goodbye to Hannah this afternoon, I didn’t wish her “Godspeed” – although I think that would have been appropriate. I did wish her success and blessings on her year ahead. I hope and pray she will have a fabulous year – academically, socially, athletically, and spiritually.
You and I are also on a journey. We are getting ready to head into a new week that is sure to bring lots of adventures, some challenges, and hopefully plenty of success.
As you head into a new week, I wish you Godspeed.
May God go with you and grant you success on your journey!
Passing The Torch
“I don’t need a successor, only willing hands to accept the torch for a new generation.” Billy Graham
For the longest time, I felt like the young guy waiting in the wings for the chance to lead, the chance to be the “smart one”, the chance to be the champion.
I’m not saying I’m old by any stretch of the means. In fact, I still feel quite young in many respects; however, I’m beginning to realize that I am the one who is now in the leadership role. I’m the one who is somehow recognized as the “smart one” who must weigh in on all bigger decisions. I’m the champion for many who are now in my care.
In other words, the torch has definitely been passed to me. It’s my turn to run the race. It’s my turn to carry the burden. It’s my turn to bridge the gap between my predecessors and my successors.
This opportunity to carry the torch comes with excitement and trepidation, confidence and fear, joy and a fair amount of stress.
I want to do my best while I’m running my leg of this relay race of life. I want to move ahead in a way that leaves my team, my family, my followers in a much better place than before I took the torch.
This week, I had the blessing of driving out to Grove City College to deposit my son, Isaac, for his second year. He drove his own car out this year. This will make it easier for him to come home at break time and will give him a little more freedom to get away from campus when necessary.
For much of our drive from eastern Pennsylvania to western Pennsylvania, I took the lead. My car set the pace. I decided the direction. With two hours to go on our trip, Isaac took the lead. He navigated our path and set the speed for much of the remainder of our trip.
As Isaac’s car passed my car, I realized I was passing the torch to him. I was once a student at Grove City College. Now, my son is the one making the memories and leaving his mark on this beautiful campus. Over the past two years, I have begun to see places where my children are outpacing me. They are beginning to take the torch, and they are carrying it forward for their leg of the race.
As parents, we have the distinct honor and responsibility of passing the torch to our children. We set the pace for much of their early years. We would be doing a disservice to our children and to the future if we didn’t look for opportunities to pass the torch we have carried so long.
Passing the torch is an important aspect of life. I’m currently carrying a torch at my job, but I’m constantly looking for those who will take the torch from me and run the next leg of the race.
Who passed you the torch? Who will take the torch from you? What are you doing to prepare for the torch exchange?
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Count Your Blessings
On the way home from work tonight, I talked to my brother. He is going through a rather challenging time. I won’t get into details here, but towards the end of the conversation he commented how he and his wife were seeing the Holy Spirit in their lives in the midst of their challenges. He said he particularly saw this in the people God had put in their lives.
As we talked, we were reminded of the song our Mom often sang at home as we were children growing up – Count Your Blessings (by Johnson Oatman, Jr.,). It goes like this:
- When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.- Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
- Refrain:
- Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by. - When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. - So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
In the midst of our darkness hours, our deepest discouragements, and our crushing challenges, we can discover renewed hope and purpose when we take time to count our blessings.
I don’t know what challenges you are facing, but I’m sure there are blessings in your life worth counting.
For me it starts with a wonderful, loving wife, a fantastic family, my health, my job, my church family, my friends. And this is just the beginning. God has blessed me in ways that far outshine my challenges.
How have you been blessed? Take time to count some of your blessings today.
Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5
Win The Heart (Book Review)
As a leader in my company and the head of my department, I believe I have the responsibility to create and influence our culture. I want to build and be part of an organization that makes the world a better place, that grows and attracts talent, and that provides a place where people are proud to work.
When I was asked to participate in the book launch of Mark Miller‘s new book, Win the Heart: How to Create a Culture of Full Engagement, I had no hesitation in saying yes. Miller, who also wrote Talent Magnet, Chess Not Checkers, and Leaders Made Here, is a leader at Chick-Fil-A. Having seen the culture that Chick-Fil-A promotes first hand (both my kids have worked for Chick-Fil-A at one time or another), I’ve seen how culture is an important focus for this organization.
In Win he Heart, Miller tells the story of CEO Blake Brown as he sets out on a journey to discover the secrets of a fully engaged culture. Miller uses story telling to teach four main truths:
C – Connection – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to make sure they are connected to the organization, the mission, and the team.
A – Affirmation – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to affirm your team members through your words and your actions.
R – Responsibility – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to make sure they have responsibility and are empowered to make decisions and take actions that will move the organization forward.
E – Environment – If you want people to CARE about your organization, you have to create the right environment making sure team members have the right setting to get things done and to draw them into the organization.
Win the Heart is all about helping people CARE about the organization and about moving their hearts into a deeper level of engagement.
This book was rather simple. Sometimes simple is exactly what we need to inspire us, to motivate us, and to push us forward to lead our organizations to the next level.
[Note: I was given a free copy of Win the Heart in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to endorse this book. I believe leaders are readers, and there is definitely value in this book to help you grow as a leader.]Time For You To Take A Risk
No matter the risks we take, we always consider the end to be too soon, even though in life, more than anything else, quality should be more important than quantity.
Alex Honnold
Over the weekend, I watched 2019 Academy Award winner, Free Solo. In this documentary, Alex Honnold attempts to become the first person to free solo climb El Capitan’s 900 meter vertical granite face in Yosemite National Park. (Spoiler Alert: He does it!)
I watched the movie Friday night after a long, long day. I fell asleep and missed the ending. Saturday, I watched it again. This time, I was wide awake, and the movie did not disappoint. The movie offers spectacular views and an intriguing look into the mind of Honnold.
Honnold shares his honest thoughts on dying, taking risks, and pursuing dreams and passions. I was inspired (and a little freaked out) as I watched him climb this challenging cliff. When he reached the top, Honnold was clearly happy and thankful that he took the risk to follow his dream.
While I’m not suggesting anyone attempt to climb El Capitan without any equipment or assistance, I am thinking the movie was an important reminder of the importance of taking big risks and going after our dreams.
What dream has God placed on your heart? What passion burns deeply inside of you? What God-given goal have you been suppressing because you are too chicken to get outside your comfort zone?
Life is short. We have seventy years – maybe eighty – and perhaps even ninety years to live our lives. This means I’m half way (or even more through my life). And the years seem to be passing more and more quickly as I get older. With this in mind, it’s time to get busy!
What do I want to accomplish? What am I putting off because I’m scared or because I’m too comfortable in my routine existence?
I want to build 100+ houses in Guatemala!
I want to help men become the fathers, the husbands, the men they were made to be!
I want to do something with my life that scares the S@#% out of me and leaves a mark – a legacy that far outlives me or my name!
Now is the time!
It’s time to take the leap of faith – the plunge. It’s time to begin the climb of my life.
And it’s your time too! What are you waiting for? Dream big! And decide TODAY to take action. By taking one step at a time you too can climb your El Capitan!
Are you in? What’s holding you back? And how can I help you?
More to Life Than This
Over the weekend, Leanne and I watched Bohemian Rhapsody, the Oscar-nominated movie about Queen and its lead singer, Freddie Mercury. The movie does a remarkable job telling the ups and downs of the band and Mr. Mercury.
(The music and acting in this movie was quite amazing. There was very little profanity in the movie, but there were some uncomfortable scenes as the movie depicted Mercury’s struggle with bi-sexuality and drugs and alcohol. I left the movie wanting to listen to more Queen music, but I also left the movie feeling a bit sad for Mercury and for what could have been.)
As I listened to the Queen channel on Spotify while I was making dinner tonight, I heard a song called There Must Be More to Life Than This by Freddie Mercury (from his Mr. Bad Guy album released in 1985). Here are some of the lyrics:
There must be more to life than this
There must be more to life than this
How do we cope in a world without love
Mending all those broken hearts
And tending to those crying faces
There must be more to life than living
There must be more than meets the eye
Why should it be just a case of black or white
There must be more to life than this
The song goes on to talk about hate, death, destruction, fighting, and killing. Mercury goes on…
What good is life, in the end we all must die
There must be more to life than this
I haven’t done an in-depth study of Freddie Mercury or Queen, but the movie definitely depicted Mercury as someone who struggled to believe in himself and to find the meaning of life beyond riches, drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, and fame.
We may not be as famous or “successful” as Freddie Mercury, but many of us struggle with finding the real meaning for our lives. We chase after a screwed up version of success. We seek prosperity, fame, comfort, and respect. I wouldn’t say that these things are in themselves bad, but I think we can do better.
In this life, we have the opportunity to leave our mark for sure, and more importantly we have the opportunity to serve our Creator by serving others. For when we find our Father and when we discover how we were made to serve others, we will begin to understand that there really is more to life than we ever imagined.
Stephen Curtis Chapman points to what we’re looking for in his song, More to This Life:
But there’s more to this life than living and dying
More than just trying to make it through the day;
More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see
And there’s more than this life alone can be
So where do we start to find every part
Of what makes this life complete;
If we turn our eyes to Jesus we’ll find
Life’s true beginning is there at the cross where He died
He died to bring us … (more to this life)
I’d challenge you to STRETCH your mind and your heart as you consider your life. Don’t be content to live a blah existence. Don’t stop at thinking there must be more to life than this. Keep seeking. Keep opening your eyes to your purpose – to your reason for being. You were made for more than this!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
(Scott and Lorraine, Thank you for an amazing evening!)
I Miss You!
It’s been a long, long while, and I miss you!
“The hardest thing is not talking to someone you used to talk every day.”
For the longest time, I connected with you all the time – typically a few times a week and sometimes every day of the week. It’s been quite a while since I’ve had any consistency to my writing here and to connecting with you right here.
I’m sorry for the long absence. It wasn’t you. I can say that with a fair amount of certainty. It’s been more on my plate. I’ve been busy (I’m learning to hate using that word). I’ve been working on several other things including work. I’ve been consistent in some other things in my life, but my writing has definitely taken a break lately.
I miss the writing, and I miss you and the opportunity to connect with you here.
While I’ve always desired to STRETCH others, I’ve realized that you actually STRETCHED me through our regular visits here in this blog community.
Life is like that. We move away for a time. We find ourselves distracted, or we simply find our attention diverted elsewhere.
Sometimes, we need to stop and look around. We need to realize where we’ve been, where we’re going, where we want to be, and where we are right now.
For this evening, I’m glad to be right here with you. You were missed!
What did I miss?
And did you miss me?
Call of the Wild
This morning during my early morning walk, I finished my 2nd book of 2019, Jack London’s Call of the Wild. (My first book of 2019 was The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell.)
Call of the Wild is a classic book which I had never read before this year. The book tells the story of a dog named Buck who gets thrust into a whole new world – a wild world – when someone steals him from his comfy home and sells him to dog sled drivers.
Without giving the whole story away, Buck quickly adapts to his new settings and eventually gains a leadership role over a pack of sled dogs. A the story continues, Buck actually comes to realize his calling – a calling to the wild.
Recognizing our calling can sometimes be easy but more often takes time, energy, and even failure from time to time.
Last month, I shared Brian Jones’ definition of calling:
Calling = Area of Skill + Area of Passion + Area of Opportunity
You could say that Buck had a passion for the wild. He developed the skill for the wild. And he was given the opportunity to go into the wild.
What’s your calling?
As we kick-off 2019, it’s a great time for you to consider your calling. It make take some time to figure it out. I challenge you to pursue it. Go after your finding your calling with all you’ve got. You don’t want to waste your life never finding your calling.
If you need help figuring out your next steps, I’d love to help you. Spots for the next semester of the Stretched Men Group are open and will fill up quickly. Go to www.stretchedmengroup.com now, and sign up for more information (you are not committing to the group just yet).
Don’t let 2019 be just another year. STRETCH yourself. Get outside your comfort zone. Take that next step.