Today I turn 60 years old - the big six-oh. I am off for two days of celebration out West with my family, but thought I would write some thoughts before I get away. I will spend the next two days doing some cool stuff, but I will also spend some time thinking about the future, and planning what I would like to do for the next ten years, with God's help of course.
MY FUTURE VISION
I have come to the conclusion, which isn't particularly brilliant or original, that it is what you do for others that will provide a legacy once you are gone. Stephen Covey's second habit for successful people is beginning with the end in mind. He recommends that you write your funeral eulogy today, outlining what you hope people will say about you when you are gone. Then you must get busy doing those things if that is how you want to be remembered.
I want to be remembered as someone who helped set people free to purpose, to know the joy of doing what they were created to do, where they were meant to do it. I want to be a person whom others sought out for wisdom and help in time of personal need. I want people to smile when I walk in a room or preach a message; if I can make them laugh, all the better. And I want to meet practical needs, wherever I may find them.
I crave writing a best-selling book, where smiling people line up outside a bookstore to get an autographed copy. I could go on and on about the future, but let me focus for now on something I want today for my birthday and that is underwear.
MY PRESENT PROJECT
No, it's not for me. It's for children in Kenya, who sometimes can't go to school because they don't have it. To date, I have collected 600 pair, but I want and need more. My sister-in-law wrote a blog entry the other day entitled, "Why I am buying my brother-in-law underwear for his birthday" and then sent me $50. That gave me the idea to ask for more.
So how about it? Are you up for buying an old man some underwear for his birthday? While you are at it, how about adding $5 to your contribution for the Sophia Fund to help feed widows and orphans. Next week we will resume our discussion of creativity, but for this week, it's time to celebrate my 60th by buying some underwear. Instructions on how to give are below. Have a great week!
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OPERATION PETTICOAT: You can read about my underwear project at Operation: Petticoat. Recently I heard from a fascinating recycling organization called Bra Recyclers! They are making a large donation to the cause. I am going back to Kenya in May, so I have set April 30 as my deadline to raise money to purchase underwear here and take it over there (which will cost me money for excess luggage).
You can give through my website or send a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Just let me know if your contribution is to be used for food or underwear and I promise to apply it where you direct. $1000 came in last week for Operation: Petticoat and $800 for The Sophia Fund! Thank you for your help.
KENYA TRAINING: Last week I provided the specifics for The Pacific Institute (TPI) seminar I will conduct in Nairobi from May 17-19. Attached below is the brochure for the event. Frankly speaking, TPI is the best training I have ever experienced and I love to share it with my friends. I invite you to join me in Nairobi for what I know will be a life-changing experience.
Happy 60th Birthday, John!
Posted by: Diana Scimone | April 19, 2010 at 08:44 AM
Happy birthday, John. Hope this is your best year, so far.
Posted by: Glenn Marble | April 19, 2010 at 03:30 PM