Dear Friends,
Several people commented about the last newsletter and the idea of “living intentionally.” The discussions reminded me of a demonstration I’ve done with several different groups, so I thought I’d share it in the form of a brief story.
A teacher stood before his class. On a table the students observed a large glass jar and a pile of fist-sized rocks. He carefully placed as many rocks into the jar as possible and asked the students to acknowledge that no more rocks would fit. Then he reached under the table, retrieved a pitcher containing pea-sized gravel, and slowly poured the pebbles into the jar, shaking gently to allow them to settle and fill the voids.
“Is the jar completely full?” Believing they saw through his trick, the students replied that it wasn't.
The teacher smiled, produced some fine sand, and repeated the process. As he finished, he asked what the students had learned.
"There’s always some empty space. If you try hard enough, you can always fit more in."
Without speaking, the teacher picked up a second jar and filled it with sand. Then he waited for the students to analyze the results. They gazed at the two jars, the pile of rocks, and the containers of gravel and sand.
After a few moments, a student said, "I get it. You have to put the big stuff in first or it won’t fit."
I’ve done this simple demonstration with numerous audiences, using the jar to represent a variety of concepts. It’s a great prompt for discussions about priorities and proactive allocation of limited resources. After a little discussion, most groups reach similar conclusions and the following principles usually emerge in some form.
- The jar is always full. Even if it’s only air, something occupies the space.
- Everything won’t fit. Before adding anything you must remove something else.
- You can add small stuff later, but you have to put the big stuff in first.
As I think about the choices I make each day in terms of living intentionally, each principle implies a related question.
- Who decides how it gets filled?
- What can be left out? What can I remove if I really must add something?
- What’s the big stuff that absolutely can’t be left out?
I plan to dig into these questions in my blogs--Relentless Grace blog and SetFreeToday (Fridays)--during the next couple of weeks. I'd really like to get a conversation going, so please visit and leave a comment.
Talking to individuals and groups about the story of Relentless Grace continues to be an enriching and meaningful experience. If you've read the book, please visit the Relentless Grace blog and join the conversation or send me a note at rich@richdixon.net.
The circle of readers continues to expand as you recommend the book to friends, family, and former students or parents. Thank you for your kind words and continued support.
Shameless self-promotion: If you enjoyed the book, please visit AMAZON.COM and contribute a five-star review. For more simple ways to help with building the buzz for Relentless Grace, this page has some suggestions.
Calendar and News
Here are links to two articles published recently. I especially enjoyed telling the humorous story in Mature Living. The Lookout issue did an in-depth analysis of disabilities in church communities, and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute my perspective on a challenging topic.
On January 15 I'll do a book signing at Cache Bank in Fort Collins. Proceeds will benefit CHARACTER FORT COLLINS.
On January 16 I'll do a book signing at the Boltz Junior High WINTER FESTIVAL. Proceeds of that event will benefit the Morrison family to help with Dylan's medical bills. Thanks for your continued prayers and support for this brave little guy and his family.
January 22 brings an opportunity to meet with the Stephen Ministry at Immanuel Church. Then on February 1 I'll be honored to speak to the congregation at Immanuel. It'll be a wonderful opportunity to thank them for their role in the story of Relentless Grace.
We'll do a book signing at The Cupboard in Fort Collins on February 14th. Proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
That same weekend (February 14th and 15th) I'll also share in the weekend services at Timberline Church as part of a sermon series.
On April 16th I'll do an interview on KRFC (88.9 FM) at 6:00 pm.
June 25th brings an opportunity to speak to the inmates at Larimer County Detention Center.
I'm still seeking speaking opportunities with both general and faith-based audiences. I’d welcome the opportunity to visit your community and share a bit of my story. If you know someone who is looking for a motivational speaker, please contact me or forward this information to an appropriate contact.
If you are engaged in raising funds for a group or individual, send me an email and let’s discuss using the book to support your efforts.
I also ask for your continued prayers for my friend Mike Kabat. Mike's at home after four months of recovery and rehab. Mike and Deb now face the difficult task of adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury.
Becky and I continue to appreciate your ongoing encouragement and support.
Blessings,
- Please visit my web site:
http://www.richdixon.net or www.relentlessgrace.com - I’d love to hear from you. Send me a note at: rich@richdixon.net
- If you haven't seen it yet, please click this link to view a short video trailer for Relentless Grace.
- Join the conversation about Relentless Grace at: Relentless Grace blog
- Read my blog post every Friday at: SetFreeToday.com
- To update your contact information: rich@richdixon.net
- I promise I won’t distribute your information to anyone for any reason.
