How High Does a Sycamore Grow?

I was brewing some tea one night and sparked the most fascinating thought...at least at the time.  I happened to pull out my favorite Disney princess cup and stared right at Pocahontas.  So immediately I went into song singing Colors of the Wind. I know, great song!

As I was singing, a specific line-one that I was all too familiar with-resonated with me.  "How high does the sycamore grow? If you cut it down you may never know."  And like a lightening bolt it hit me. Don't knock people down because you never know the potential you're squashing.  This is no novel idea, as I'm pretty sure that line was about Pocahontas using a metaphor for herself and her relationship with her father (if you don't know what I'm talking about, watch the movie-it's great).

In all, it reminded me we should continually build people up. Playing off the song... you may never know how much a person can grow if you tear them down. Whether in your own image of them or how you treat them. We were all born as blank canvases with immeasurable potential,  just like the sycamore. This metaphor goes for ourselves as well. Of course don't tear others down, but just as importantly, DON'T TEAR YOURSELF DOWN either.

TAKE ACTION
In every interaction you have with someone, ask yourself: Am I building this person up or tearing them down with my words and actions? Not an easy task, but start small. Maybe there is a specific person in your life that you belittle or get irritated with. Start with them and build from there.

Extra FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What are some ways you tear yourself down?

For A Stranger Who Turned into a Friend

From time to time I'm wise enough to spend a day in solitude, completely unplugged, to be alone with myself and my thoughts. A few weeks ago, the wisdom struck, and I did just that. I went to the park on a nice 75 degree day (Scottsdale in February is good for that), laid out on a blanket and took out my journal. As the sun began to set and the desert cold came upon me, I migrated to a near by restaurant with outdoor, heated seating to continue in my reflection. Then the most amazing thing happened to me.

There was a man sitting alone at the table next to me. The whole time I was sitting there thinking to myself I should say hello. At one point, cause I can't resist listening in on conversations, I noticed his interaction with the waiter. As the waiter left, I took out my headphones and engaged with the man.  In this brief interaction I felt an immediate connection with him, so I invited him to join me. Little did I know, this small offer has changed me.

After some convincing, he joined me. I couldn't even tell you how long we spent engaged in intense, vulnerable conversation. God had answered my prayers. Throughout my conversation with this stranger I was gaining conviction in everything I had just journaled. It was like he was right there reading every word I wrote, being there to affirm me. I was hanging on his every word, as it was exactly what I needed in that exact moment.

Sometimes you encounter a person for only a brief moment who can change everything for you. I was blessed not only to have this one instance, but also make a new long term friend. At the end of our conversation I asked if we could exchange contact info and stay in touch. If I'm being honest, I wasn't even sure there would be another encounter with this person. If that were the case it would be okay because that conversation had that much of an impact on me. However, to my delight, he had reached out for another meet up.

I now have a new friend who was once a stranger to me. Someone who is invested in my success and even feels as if I bring some value to him. This is so special and everything I was searching for in my life. This situation is also the reason I'm writing right now. I had shared my prior blogs with my new friend and he voiced to me that he wanted more.

So, dear friend, here you are.

What I took from this situation is that the unexpected is always around the corner. And of course that God always answers our prayers, even when we least expect it. Everything you seek in life will be given to you as long as you have faith-that's in the bible for sure.

TAKE ACTION:
Don't hesitate to engage with a stranger. After all, every person in your life now was once a stranger. This can be an uncomfortable thing, but don't be afraid to meet new people because they may be the answer to the prayers you are looking for.

Extra FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How are you being this kind of person for others?