Week 34 - #Prepare “Innovate”

“Filling in the Gaps”

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! “ - Psalm 96:1

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2

Several weeks ago I was in South Texas doing professional development for a group of teachers. In my presentation I showed them a video of the new gap campaign for back to school clothes for students.

The campaign involves a teacher from Memphis who stands outside his door each day and does a brief and unique individualized dance with each student as they enter the classroom.

Now I am quick to share after watching the clip together with whatever group I’m leading, making a full disclosure that I am not a “gap” teacher nor would that be a pretty site to witness! And, I also clearly state, that I do not expect any of them to be a clone “gap” teacher either, but I do tell them to just do “you” but to do “you” well, to the absolute fullest.

I don’t know about you, when I see something like that, rather than saying "that’s not me", it motivates me to not want to mimic, but ignites the opportunity clock inside of me, and I am moved to begin thinking of something even better!

Maybe it’s my competitive nature, asking "how can I still do me, but also take what I have experienced to a still deeper and more dynamic level?" Something authentic. Something maybe not ever done before, something innovative!

So this conversation continues with my teachers, as I ask them, "so if you’re not the gap teacher, what is it that you do or what is it that you’re going to do, so positively contagious, causing your students to never want to miss your class? Not even for a single moment!”

DADs, so how does all of this conversation relate to the matter at hand with the importance and significance of our concept of preparation and this week's topic of innovation?

Well it goes like this, if you have ever wondered why sometimes your kids, spouse, and others that we love begin to drift away at times could it be a wake up call to be today a little innovative in our daily active devotion routine?

Maybe they drift because we drift?

Maybe we need to focus on where they place levels of importance, versus wondering why they don’t show much interest in ours?

DADs, preparation for innovation can happen only when we seek those opportunities and then simply take the time to follow through.

Every day God provides for each of us opportunities and time to innovate something new! To literally sing a “new song,” as the scripture in Psalms 96:1 says "Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!”

Are we singing a new song or just turning the page slowly?

DADs, you don’t have to be an entertainer, a dancer, or even a "high fiver!" But we can certainly choose to be innovative with the opportunities and time God grants us everyday to not necessarily be the “gap” dad but to "fill in" the “gaps” DADs, meeting the needs of those you love.

DADs, by all means do you, but do you like no one else can!

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 ESV

To God be the glory!

DADs “get in the game”…

Today is game day…and so is every day…

God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepare to “Innovate.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare to “Defend."

Note: *For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word...#Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.