~Joel’s Blog
Renaissance Men?
Let’s get this out of the way immediately: No, this blog isn’t an anthem on behalf of men. In other words, I’m addressing both men and women. At the same time, we must submit to the reality that 600 years ago (and more) the term “Renaissance Men” referred to, well, men. Unfortunate, yes, but there it is. That was then. This is now. And I’m here to declare that our world needs Renaissance Men and Renaissance Women and in great numbers.
Why? (more…)
~Joel’s Blog
And Why No One Will Miss You
Look! There’s a parable in that stream!
A few years ago I heard a modern-day parable about the relevance of our careers. It’s been impossible to forget.
There were two men strolling beside a burbling stream. Both had long careers. One man confided in the other about his internal conflict over his work, because it had become, at best, stale and predictable. At worst, it was full of strife, long hours and made him feel valueless. Deep in his heart, he knew that his passion called him in a new direction, but his current position had brought income, security, even prestige. And, he said, “If I left my company now, I would lose the stability my status affords me. And I would leave my colleagues in a difficult situation.”
His friend pointed at the stream and smiled. “Follow me, watch and learn.” Squatting next to the stream’s edge, he leaned over the flowing water and pushed his hand into the stream bed until it was completely covered by pebbles and mud. “Now, observe,” he said, pulling his buried hand straight up out of the cold, murmuring stream.
What came next surprised me. (more…)
~Joel’s Blog
Plans: Don’t Leave Home Without One
Have you heard the quote
“Life is what happens after you’ve made plans”?
It’s true, isn’t it?
You made plans. Then, poof! How many times has this happened to you? Just when you think you have plans—it’s scheduled, in flow, settled, decided, prepared for, whatever—something unexpected comes along and, boom! A shift happens. Sometimes the shift is like a slight tremor. Noteworthy, maybe, but not too alarming. Other times, that shift can hit you like an earthquake.
Isn’t it odd how, once in a while, a really good thing can shake your life to its foundations? Even topple your clever plans. (more…)
5 Ways to Enhance Your Relationship With Your Child No Matter What Their Age Is!
By Janet Lund
In my blog Change Is Here, Ready Or Not, Part 2, I addressed the importance of listening to your college students tone of voice. The President of NNU made it very clear to us that it is important for us to listen for the difference between “the scraped elbow and the broken bone kind of pain.” This is key to knowing when you need to get involved by contacting adults on campus who can help your child through the situation.
Listening is key throughout your entire relationship with your kids. (more…)
~Janet’s Blog
Change Continued. Go Figure.
At NNU, the Freshman Orientation experience was a three-day process for the parents and a four-day event for the kids. These days were filled with student/parent meetings, departmental receptions, technology meetings for the kids, department head meetings for the adults, special family meal gatherings, a presidential scholarship recognition gathering and worship.
One of the most memorable things that was spoken at the Freshman Orientation weekend was something the president said. His caution went something like this, “Listen to your children’s voices as they call home. Listen for any difference in their tone. Do you remember back when they were children and how you could tell the difference between the cry over a scraped knee versus the cry of a broken bone? Listen to your children as they call home. Listen for the difference in their voice. When the cry sounds more like a broken bone, that’s when we want you to call us and fill us in on what’s going on so we can help.” The message: some change isn’t for the best.
We found a lot of comfort in that. It also became a helpful tool for us sooner than we expected. (more…)
