"The Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought the most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English evangelicals who abolished the slave trade, left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world, that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in, aim at earth and you will get neither."
- C.S. Lewis

What a profound statement. This was atop the agenda for this morning's athletic department staff meeting. What a refreshing thought...to think of Heaven and all that we should be working towards for the Glory of His Name! For me this was very appropriate for my desire of leadership and the example that should be set by us all. I desire more than ever to be a leader that is focused more on the eternal implications rather than the bottom line of the daily grind. My attitude and demeanor will always set the stage for the way persons see the Jesus in my life.

I recently heard this story from one my assistants. Prior to their employment with us, this person's perception of me was very negative. "I would see you at a convention or a conference and think to myself, why would I ever want to work with that guy?!" This was confessed to me after this person's first year. Their impression of me was determined from an incident over 10 years ago, when we both were students at rival schools. Evidently, my actions dealing with student-athletes at a basketball tournament did not set very well. I have no recollection at all of the incident 10 years ago. But the only impression this person ever had for me was from this one incident. What hurts more than ever is that this person actually saw me as a person who did not bring Glory to the Kingdom.

After I learned this preconceived notion of myself from this assistant, we discussed in great detail how it was just a perception of who I was, and not who I really am. How many others have this perception of me? Sure this is a story of victory in the fact that we were able to discuss this incident and to work things out to where we actually laugh about the incident now.

Still it makes me think. I know that I fail to fully be joyful daily, but should I not always strive for the Joy of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ? Even on the days that I am not joyful. From this conversation I am reminded of Hebrews 12:1-2
"1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (ESV)

We are surrounded daily by a great cloud of witnesses. We have the opportunity everyday to be light unto the darkness or to allow the darkness to overcome our light. Heaven...this is our desire, not Earth. Won't you dream of Heaven with me? Will you live for Christ daily? Will you play a pivotal role in reaching others to know Christ? Just some thoughts for the day...O What A Day!!!