history is important but…… April 11, 2012
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.comments closed
Looking at our history is important as it provides a source of identity, a place to belong in the narrative of life and can provide insight in to avoiding pitfalls.
However, when our history is used to constrict us, hold us back, prevent growth or forward movement, it becomes anathema.
Work hard at getting a right balance, it will pay dividends
what next…..now lent is over April 10, 2012
Posted by thehutch in ponderings.Tags: change, fast, future, lent
comments closed
So many people gave things up for Lent…..just over 40 days where they abstained, removed or altered their lifestyle. Easter Sunday saw many of them eat chocolate, stop the workouts, engage on social networks again and more.
The question that I now have, if you go back to the way you were before, why bother at all? If it changes things, if you are different, if reflection has led to change then, and only then, it becomes worthwhile. If not, it is possible that it was a pointless exercise.
So, now that Lent is over, what’s next?
He is Risen! April 8, 2012
Posted by thehutch in church.Tags: Easter, risen, sunday
comments closed
Happy Easter April 5, 2012
Posted by thehutch in church.Tags: crucifixion, Easter, jesus
comments closed
transformation or production April 3, 2012
Posted by thehutch in ponderings, thoughts.Tags: charity, development, growth, production, transformation
comments closed
Having worked for a number of charities, it is interesting to observe the changes as a fledgling charity grows to maturity. Often, a new charity is focussed on people and the transformation/s that occur in peoples lives, it brings life, encourages others to participate and there is a real sense of ownership. However, in time, it is possible that significant shifts may occur, shifts that seem insignificant but in time will move the charity from a focus on transformation to one of production.
For example, a youth charity may begin by impacting the lives of young people and with success there may be dreams of meeting more young people, in order to help and support them. It makes sense to meet them in a place where they spend most time, school. This approach is good, makes sense and is fruitful. However, it does not take too long before the measure of success becomes, how many lessons have been taken, how many assemblies, how many lunch clubs. Whilst these things are not wrong, it does show a shift from transformation to production. A slight move from the centre will impact the place of destination – the measure has moved from how many lives are transformed to the place of how many activities we do, so that we may transform lives. This is a subtle but significant difference.
The same change can be seen in any labour of love as it grows and develops, as others join the cause and as funders seek to make ‘a bigger bang for their buck’ - the question we need to concentrate on is, which is most important, transformation or production?
to be ignored….. April 2, 2012
Posted by thehutch in ponderings, thoughts.Tags: honesty, ignorance, ignore, integrity, leadership, relationships
comments closed
It is amazing how often we hear it…..maybe, even said it ourselves (we know we have!) that someone is “ignoring me”. It is more common than we think. However, is it really true? Is it that we are being ignored or that people are not communicating with us in the way we would want/need or demand?
Let’s have an example. If I have reason to doubt that someone is honest, I tend to go quiet with them. I will say hello or respond if they happen to talk with me but will not go out of my way to begin a new conversation, after all, I am doubting if they are trustworthy. If they respond in a similar way, it is not fair of me to say that the individual is ‘ignoring me’ – they happen to be responding in kind.
A better response is to ask, why is my communication with this individual lacking? It may be that before you accuse them of ignoring you, you may have to remove the log from your own eye.
London Waterways March 30, 2012
Posted by thehutch in Uncategorized.comments closed
Urban landscapes are not always about concrete……Camden Lock is an example
Quote Frenzy March 30, 2012
Posted by thehutch in quotes.Tags: boss, fear, leader, leadership, life, philosophy, quotes
comments closed
To know what people really think, pay regard to what they do, rather than what they say.” Descartes
“Just because you are the boss doesn’t mean you are the source of all knowledge.” J. Welch
“Fear-based repentance makes us hate ourselves. Joy-based repentance makes us hate the sin.” Timothy Keller
“True leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, not the enrichment of the leaders.” R. Townsend
