My thoughts on Adoption

The past few years, there has been a sudden rise in international adoptions. I think it’s great that America has taken such an interest in helping the world with such a huge orphan epidemic. However, I think a major point is being overlooked:

What about domestic adoption?

Churches and religious organizations have been leading the charge for international adoption. After books like Crazy Love and Radical – everyone wanted to adopt a little African baby. I fully respect anyone who feels “called” to adopt. My Uncle Danny (and his wife, Nan) adopted my cousin Victor from Russia. I’ll never forget the story he told me of flying to Moscow with $40,000 strapped to his chest to pick up his son. It’s a great option for a lot of people. But why international? Do you have a burden or soft spot for that people/country? I only ask because there are thousands of orphans right here in America. Its easy to look at a malnourished child in Haiti and clearly see his needs a family. But what about that kid who has been abandoned by his parents…right in your own county or country?

I will never question the motives of anyone who adopts internationally. The task of adopting is never easy and I have seen how tough it is, first hand, for the kids (and the host family) to make that transition.

You may be asking “why is he going on this rant about international adoption?” Well, I have a special connection to domestic adoption. When only a few days old, my dad was adopted by my grandparents. Harold and Helen Jennings are two of the greatest people ever and did a great job of raising my dad. I can still see it, today, that my dad tries to be like his dad. And I don’t blame him one bit for that. You couldn’t ask for a better role model/hero to look up to. But my dad is one of the lucky ones. Many kids looking for a home never find one.

I think the problem even goes deeper than that. What credibility do you have telling Planned Parenthood they are wrong, and then turn around and solely adopt internationally…or not at all? How many unwanted pregnancies would not go to the drastic measure of abortion if they knew a loving home was awaiting their child? I am not saying a sudden push in adoption would end abortion. But it would definitely help. What if Planned Parenthood became an organization who helped place these children in homes because their was such an influx of willing and wanting parents for adoption? What if instead of picketing them, we worked together? It’s obvious that words alone are not going to do the trick. Our actions must speak much louder than our words.

I’ll be the first to say: it’s not an either/or type of situation….it’s a both/and scenario. We must continue to set an example for the world by reaching out to the orphans of other countries. But we must also set an example to those countries by those willing and able to adopt and care for the orphans in our own country. Wouldn’t it be great to see to each country stepping up and, for the most part, taking care of its own?

I say all of this to get one major point across: don’t discount or disregard the importance of considering domestic adoption. Don’t let the hype of international adoption lead you away from what you may be truly called to do….adopting right here in the U.S.

2011 – A look back at the music

As many of you know, I love music. Its one of the many things I enjoy. 2011 came out strong with some great music…as well as some awful music…mainly dubstep.

A good friend of mine recently posted her top 5 music videos of 2011. And, like any good creative person, I am also posting mine, but with my own twist.

These are in no particular order, just my top 5 videos.

Ben Rector – Let the Good Times Roll

I just so happened to be at this show. Although it was a Christmas show, Ben graced us with a few of his new songs, as well. And as much fun as it looks like Ben is having, we (in the audience) were having just as much, if not more. Plus, having Dave Barnes and Andrew Ripp singing back-up is not a bad way to go. The video also contains a Matt Wertz Christmas song and Jingle Bells with the whole gang. But I mainly just like the first song, by Ben. Feel free to stop after that.

Adele – Set Fire to the Rain

I’m not sure any musical list can be complete without Adele these days. Add a great set, amazing band and string section to a phenomenal singer, and you get this. Thanks VH1 at 5 am for showing me this gem…

Tyler Ward – We Found Love

Tyler Ward is a really talented guy. He has made his “fame” on covering pop songs. And this one – he took an up-beat dance tune by Rihanna and turned it into a great ballad. Whether its a full band cover or just an acoustic cover like this song, Tyler usually delivers a great song. His original stuff is getting better and better. Hope to catch him in person some time.

Coldplay – Paradise

Probably my favorite song from their latest album. Plus, this is live from the Austin City Limits Music Festival. September…in Austin…yeah – that’s sweat pouring off their faces. Great song – crazy stage and lights.

Sara Bareilles – Uncharted

This is another one of those “Thanks VH1 at 5 am” videos. Its a great concept: “Get all your musician friends to lip sync to your new song, record it, and compile them all together. Tell them to feel free to have fun and act like idiots…if they feel so led.” Plus…the song is very catchy…pretty typical for Sara.

That’s all for 2011. Looking forward to what 2012 has to offer…

Didn’t I just move?

So…August 1st I started a new job after moving back out to Glorieta, New Mexico from Nashville.

November 1st, I will be on the hunt for another job.

You didn’t mis-read that. I have to look for a job…AGAIN!

The Glorieta Conference Center has decided, after a vote by the LifeWay Board of Trustees, to close its campus except for Centrifuge Camps and Collegiate Week (large summer youth events) starting November 1st. This is the new model that also allows LifeWay leadership to explore new options for the property in the future. After our all-staff meeting in the morning where they broke the news to everyone, they met with each full-time employee individually to discuss our future (or lack their of). Hal Hill (our Director), Byron Hill (Hal’s boss – Director over both conference centers for LifeWay, no relation to Hal) and Charlie Hawkins (HR guru from LW) sat me down and it is nice to know they are doing everything they can for the majority of us FT-ers who lost our job. They handled the meeting with class and professionalism, and I do not envy them having to do what they did. The severance package they offered is much appreciated. Every little bit helps.

So what does this mean? You guessed it…ANOTHER MOVE! Right now – I’m not exactly sure when (early November I’m guessing) or where. There is no telling where I will land. For those of you who know me best – I could end up in California, back in Nashville, back in the mother land of Texas or living the dream in NYC – or anywhere in between. I slept about 2 hours last night as I stayed up trying to figure out what to do next. That didn’t work. But, good news, I have a little time to figure it out.

We just found out yesterday morning – so it was quite an emotional roller coaster of a day. Thanks everyone for your support and words of encouragement. They are needed and welcomed. I talked with my family last night, and a few friends. The question/statement I heard most last night was “Are you/you should be ticked that they brought you out there for 2 months?!” The answer: YES! Of course I am mad/sad. Who wouldn’t be? I uprooted my whole life to come back out here. But I am not mad at a person – just at the situation. Nothing a few hours at a shooting range won’t cure. I may actually try to kill one of those bears now. Trying to decide between a gun or a cage match. Don’t worry – I’m not stupid – I’d bring nun-chucks in with me to the cage. That should make it a fair fight.

Also – let me know if you hear of any job openings Don’t let all this bear fighting talk scare you. I’m a darn good employee. Or maybe its time I finally start that hip-hop label I’ve always wanted to run/own.

Much love to everyone.

Networking vs Shameless Self-Promotion

One of my strongest attributes has always been my ability to network people together; and also (maybe even more importantly) network myself with other people.

I have, on occasion, found myself diving into the deep end of shameless self-promotion. When I do that – I almost immediately get mad at myself for being such an idiot and looking like a tool.

So what is the difference? Let me help you through a few easy identification points.

GREETING: “Hi my name is Bo Jennings.” = Networking. “Yeah – I’m the guy who makes events happen. No big deal, but you should probably hire me.” = Shameless Self-Promotion.

MERCHANDISING: Selling your band merch at a concert = Networking. Wearing your OWN band’s shirt on stage while performing = Shameless Self – Promotion. (Word to the wise – the people at the show/service are already there. Merch is to be used in promotion. You look like an idiot – rock a plunging v-neck like the rest of the music industry and quit being ‘that guy’).

BRANDING: Simple logo, quote or tagline on an email signature = Netowrking. A head shot of you in your email signature = Shameless Self – Promotion. Double shameless if the picture was taken at Glamor Shots.

PRESENTATION: When introducing yourself in a public setting, you show a picture of you, your family in a natural setting = Networking. A picture of you and some celebrity you hunted down at a Chick Fil A = Shameless Self Promotion. I’m not impressed. Come talk to me when someone famous actually knows who you are (and not just on Twitter).

PEOPLE SKILLS: Genuinely caring about people, staying engaged in real conversation = Networking. Acting like you’re paying attention just so you look good = Shameless Self – Promotion.

CLOSING THE DEAL: “What can I do for you?” = Networking. “What can you do for me?” = Shameless Self – Promotion.

I hope this helps clear up any confusion. Next time you Network with others, see if you can point out who is truly Networking and who is Shamelessly Self – Promoting.

Event Planning 101

Having worked with, planned, organized, executed, coordinated over 200 events now – on both the programming and facility side of things – I think its important to pass along a few nuggets of wisdom I have learned over the past few years.

It doesn’t matter if you are planning a 20 person family reunion, 100 person wedding ceremony/reception, all the way up to and beyond a 2,000 person conference. Each point is pretty crucial to help making your event a great one.

1.

NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING!

The worse thing you can do is assume that what you want will happen without it being on “paper.” If its something BIG – get it in a contract. AT LEAST get it in an email and confirmation that the request was sent and received. I have no problem telling a customer who calls in with a request “Can you send that to me in an email – that we we have a record of exactly what you want so we can work towards making that happen.” Phone calls and “gentleman’s handshakes” don’t protect/cover either side and it could come back to haunt you.

2.

YOU CAN NEVER START PREPARING TOO EARLY!

If you have some free time – even if your event is 3, 6, 9, 12 months out – GET TO WORK ON IT! You never know what curve balls life might throw at you, and its better to be safe than sorry. Its ok to push others to commit and prepare early, as well. The more time, effort and thought that is put into your event – the better the outcome will be.

3.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!

At some point – whether in the planning stages of the event or during the event itself – something will go wrong.
Examples:
The food truck crashes on the interstate and your steaks for your banquet won’t arrive.
The power goes out at the facility.
Its raining and all of your activities are outside.
A freak snow storm showed up on the Gulf Coast and many groups are delayed by several hours.
Its 100 degrees in northern Wisconsin and our meeting rooms have no A/C

These are just a few things that can, have and could happen. Some scenarios are out of your control and its up to an awesome event coordinator (like myself) who can think fast on their feet to help provide you with alternatives…usually requiring outside of the box thinking. This is where #2 comes into play. If you have done all of the leg work you can and prepared as best as humanly possible – then the last second curveballs, mistakes, errors, ommissions, accidents won’t seem as big. Always have an alternative. I guess if I had a point 3a – it would be:

YOU CAN NEVER OVER-PREPARE!

Having options and being over-prepared will pay off!

4.

DON’T SIGN A CONTRACT WITHOUT READING IT!

This goes back to # 1, and not assuming anything. Don’t just assume any contract with a facility, personality, etc is “standard”. Everyone uses their own language and their own rules. The only “standard” contract I know of is a marriage license. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “the other places I go to don’t make us do that” or “I just assumed we could get out of our contract.” Wrong and WRONG! If I have it on paper, that you signed a contract, I can and will hold you to it. There are the rare exceptions (death/severe illness/emergency) that I will go to back to “help” you with your contract. But that is a rare occasion I would never count on my grace (when it comes to contracts).

5.

MARKET YOUR EVENT!

I am even talking about family reunions, weddings. Use the web, Texts, Facebook – SOMETHING/ANYTHING! You need to get the word. Start early and often. These days, more than ever, people have to plan and budget. And if you put on a quality event – from marketing, to registration, to the actual event – people WILL show up. But if you don’t push it until a month out – your attendance will suffer. When you begin to plan your event – whether its for profit or not – you need to include a timeline for marketing your event…and STICK TO IT!

6.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING OUT OF THE BOX!

These days, everyone is looking to get a leg up on the competition. The worse thing you can do is do the same old thing you’ve always done…and expect people to show up like they’ve always done. People get bored easy these days…even senior citizens. They have iPhone and iPads, too. Do something with your event that is not expected and market it that way. A surprise concert, giveaways, special catered meal or snack, late night or early morning activity – SOMETHING! Most of those will cost money – but if you’re budget won’t allow it – get even more creative. Scavenger Hunts cost nothing. Neither do sunrise hikes/climbs/walks. Maybe its just changing how the event is run. If you do a large conference – change the schedule, set-up, way you do breakouts. You have to keep people on their toes. If your event has the buzz of “I wonder what they are going to do this/next year” – then you are ahead of the game and that is the kind of buzz you want.

7.

AS THE EVENT PLANNER – YOU HAVE TO ENJOY THE EVENT!

If you, yourself, are not enjoying the event – how can you be expected to put on the event you are planning. I meet too many people who plan events because they are told to or because no one else would. If you are not excited/energetic/enjoying the event you are planning – don’t be surprised if your staff, faculty or attendees don’t enjoy the event, either. Energy and excitement has to to start at the top. It is infectious like the bubonic plague and your attitude will filter down quickly.

That is all for now. EP 201 will be in the near future. Let me know if there is anything you want me to specifically talk about when it comes to Event Planning.

Things I learn at 1 am on a Thursday night/Friday morning

Here is a list I made of things I learned/realized at 1 am last night/this morning:

1. There is CD set that I almost bought. Time Life – oh how I love and loathe you and your set http://www.timelife.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=1001&catalogId=10001&productId=164001 .

2. Entourage on WGN just isn’t right.

3. I need more books. I have read everyone I own. Maybe that would help me sleep better.

4. I still have a lot of packing left to do.

5. I wish I could have time to cook more.

6. I don’t have to worry about lunch on Friday. I brought mine on Thursday – but my dad took me out for lunch. Score!

7. After our basketball game last night – I left in a hurry and didn’t go by my parents house. Mom made lasagna. Dang it. We won, by the way. I threw the best alley-oop to start the game.

8. I have packed all my kitchen supplies. I hope I don’t need steak knives or chile powder in the next week.

9. I really am gonna miss my family and friends. Welling up a little bit – thinking about saying goodbye…again.

10. Considering buying a blue-tooth headset. I swore I would never be one of those guys. But with a 20 hour drive in front of me next week – it might be worth the investment.

11. The NFL lockout is almost over. I feel like if they would just adhere to the BASEketball philosophy – and pay everyone the same – we would all have 4 months of our life and ESPN Bottom Line back.

12. I hope my brother’s birthday gift gets here soon.

13. Just flipped past an infomercial for pajama jeans. If any of you buy those things – I will punch you.

14. I really miss the game battleship.

15. Nothing on tv – time to turn on an episode of Friday night lights on Netflix streaming. Season 3 – episode 9 – here I come.

16. Starting to finally feel tired. Guess I’ll have to finish Tim Riggins’ Shenanigans another day.

17. I have seriously hurt either a rib or something in that area. This sucker really hurts.

18. It would be really great if someone would bring in some breakfast tomorrow to work (which – of course – didn’t happen).

19. I really wish the Governor of Texas would go ahead and announce he is running for President. I know everyone hates Texas – but he has done an excellent job. If you can run Texas, running the whole country wouldn’t be that much harder.

20. I got my insurance, banking, credit card and Netflix all changed over to my new address today. That’s the important stuff.

21. 4:30 is gonna come early (and it did).

On the road again…

When people ask what I love about Nashville – I don’t get into all the great music, food, nightlife, sports, culture, etc. I say “You get everything you need/want in a big city with a small town feel.”

I love this city. Its been so good to be back.

A few weeks ago – a co-worker from Glorieta Conference Center (where I lived/worked out in New Mexico) told me one of the Sales/Events coordinators was leaving. I laughed as he said “you should come back”. For some reason, I went on Facebook and looked at some old pictures from my time out there. It really is one of the prettiest places in the country. I became curious about the possibility of going back out there. After a few conversations with the Conference Center leadership – I definitely became interested as job duties/responsibilities began to be ironed out. I’ve had some very open and honest conversations with Hal Hill and Byron Hill (not related). I was challenged with some of the reasons I didn’t stay last time. I also had some tough conversations with my current bosses – Clark Lawrence and Bruce Raley. While both of them wanted me to stay – they were very supportive at the same time (something I can never thank them enough for). Wednesday night, Hal called me and officially offered me the job as a Sales/Events Coordinator (with my focus/primary responsibility in Events Coordination). We talked about what all that would look like in the transition to get me there as soon as possible.

Wednesday night – I told my folks I got the official offer. They definitely hate to see me go. But at the end of the day – they want whats best for me and for me to be happy. I can’t tell you how lucky I am to have such amazing parents.

Thursday morning – I walked into Bruce’s office and told he and Clark that I was accepting the position and moving back to the Rocky Mountains. They were excited for me and this new(ish) opportunity. I emailed Hal and accepted. I called my folks and told them. Thursday evening I told the rest of my family, my roommate/landlord, and a few friends. Now…everyone knows I am heading back to the Rocky Mountains (just outside of Santa Fe, NM).

My official start date is August 1. Which means I get to move SOON. Good thing I’ve moved 20 times…I should have this down, pat.

So – here is what I am asking of all of you:
1. Pray for me. Safe travels, new job, transition, etc etc.
2. Come visit. You have a place to crash. Good/cheap skiing near by. Lots to visit/see
3. I go by my parents house once a week to raid their fridge. Its the best grocery store in town. I’m afraid that after I leave – their fridge will be bursting at the seams. So go by my folks house and raid their fridge. Also – give my mom a hug.
4. I have moved around a lot. I’m not asking for much – but stay in touch. (I also love care packages with baked goods )

I love y’all.

How to interact with single people…

A manual about single people for those who are not

There are simple rules/guidelines/nuggets of wisdom that each non-single person must adhere to in order to prevent those that are single or re-single from going insane. I speak for all single people when I say we love you. We are happy for you non-singlers. But please…take heed…

note: This may come across, at times, as being bitter. I’m not…yet

1. We don’t mind being set up. In fact, even though we might complain about it, we normally enjoy it. But before setting 2 people up on a very awkward first date – please get to know us better. I’d be ok if I never had conversations like “Oh – so you’re a 22 year old semi-professional skateboarder to who enjoys slasher movies” or “I’ve never knitted boots for cats before. But you’re in your mid-to-late 30s, so you have all the experience in what’s fun” ever again. It’s starting to feel like y’all either hate us or just enjoy laughing at the stories we single folk tell.

2. Just because we are single – that doesn’t mean every holiday, weekend, or evening is free to watch your kids, pets, etc. We would like to have a life – which is tough to do if we are constantly babysitting. If you start out a sentence with “it seems like we are always calling you” – well, you probably are, then.

3. Engaged couples – congrats on the engagement. Now shut up about the wedding . We will be there and support you through the big day. We are truly thrilled for you. But we (singles) don’t want to hear about your honeymoon plans, the trouble with the florist, or that you went over your parent’s budget and now your dress won’t be hand stitched by a North Korean child slave.

4. If you are lucky enough to have kids – please know that our schedules don’t revolve around kids yet. So a sitter is the best route. And if you can’t detach from your kid for a few hours and feel that you HAVE to bring them to our game night, concert, dinner, etc– staying at home might be the best option. We hope to have kids someday, as well. But we want to hang out with YOU. If the whole time you are changing diapers and talking about your kid’s sleeping habits, then that defeats the purpose of us hanging out. I love kids, personally. But getting away for time with just adults (and I call myself an adult only because the state of Tennessee does) is needed for you and desired by us.

5. Please know that as single people…we are in no rush to make plans days, or even hours, ahead of time. If you can make it to the random/spontaneous gathering – awesome. If you can’t – we will catch ya next time. You were single once. Quit acting like if you don’t get a Google Calendar invite – there is no humanly way possible you could ever attend anything.

6. Stop living vicariously through our dating lives. We will come to you when there is something to tell or talk about. You do realize you are basically gossiping about us…right to our face (and normally behind our backs, as well).

7. Just because you hit the “significant other” lottery, doesn’t make you a love guru. Most of you have no game and just got lucky. Thank God you found someone, and quit acting like you have the best advice ever. We remember all of your epic dating fails. You are to being a love guru what “Love Guru” was to good movies…

8. Never ask us the question “So how come you’re not married/engaged or even dating someone?” I may have just broken up with someone. Or maybe I seem to be surrounded by crazy people so I’m waiting for the next Match.com free weekend to see how the single people in Denver, Baltimore or Tampa shape up. (never tried it – but the people on the commercials seem happy).

9. Don’t act like single-ness is a disease. It’s not. We can still hang out. Even though your significant other may wish at times they were still single, they are always happiest when they get home. So let them out and breath fresh air every once in a while.

10. Never…ever…use the word Singles when you are trying to gather a group of singles. Community, Church, whatever – call it something else….anything else!

11. At the end of the day – we want what you have. Settled down, married, maybe kids. Even those single guys in their 40s/50s rocking Ed Hardy shirts and Diesel jeans – claiming to be “living the dream” – they have just found being a tool is easier than committing. So know that we are watching. Every time we see a friend get hurt by a spouse – it sets back our faith in marriage. I’m only 28 – and have already had countless classmates/friends get divorced for a myriad of reasons. The best advice you can ever give us is your actions. Talk is cheap.

On a much lighter note…”Single Ladies” has caused us guys much headache. It actually is a great song. But they had some fun with it on SNL – watch it here or check it out below.

4 am thoughts: Can’t get you out of my head

I woke up at 4 am this morning…as usual.

The alarm went off, I almost broke my iPhone, hit the snooze button, and turned on TNT (NUMB3RS Re-runs at 4 am – I like to think early in the morning – wakes me up faster). Pretty typical morning.

But as my brain woke up – I could not help but get “her” out of my head. Who is “her”?

“Her” is my future wife. I’m not sure if I know her now – or if she is someone I have not yet met. But whoever “her” is – I could not get her out of my mind. So I began to write.

And as I wrote – I realized I was following in the footsteps of other friends who also have written to their own “her”. My good friend, Jason, wrote an awesome letter (See http://jasondyba.blogspot.com/2011/03/love-letter-7.html for proof).

So – here it is – a letter to “her.” I’m not as creative as others – but it will adequately show who i am. (Anything in parenthesis will be my internal thoughts – more for the reader than for “her”).

To You:

Hello. How are you? I am well, thanks for asking. (Nailed it).

When I was a young boy, a very wise man – my dad – told me to pray for my future wife. So…I did. I have been praying for the past 20 years (I’m 28, now) for my future wife…you.

At first – I prayed that you loved what I love – Dallas Cowboys, BBQ and Nintendo. I thought we would hang out, ride horses and enjoy Pete and Pete. (I was 8 and lived in Texas).

But then, I got a little older. I started praying that you would be pretty, hate Middle School Science (sorry Coach Cameron), liked to hold hands and see Jim Carrey movies (ssssmmmmmmokin’!)

But things changed, like everything in High School, and so did my prayers for who you were. You definitely had to be good looking…definitely. That became priority one. Not just cute – but Real World pretty. I had plenty of time to look for you while sitting on the bench at many HS athletic games. I wanted you to be the life of the party – adored by everyone – but only had eyes for me. Not going to lie – I thought I had found you. Turns out, you were no where to be found. But still – I prayed for you.

As I went to college, took a break, dealt with real life issues, then went back to school and graduated – I stopped praying for you, specifically. My prayer became that I would simply be the man you needed. I had a lot to work on before I could start the rest of my life with you. I’ve worked hard – have grown a lot – and am still working to improve. But it was vital that before there was a “we” – I had to work on me. (I know – cheesy. Roll your eyes all you want. But to “her” – it will mean a lot).

Now – I’m in the real world. Work is going good and I am excited about the future with a great company. I am surrounded by new friends that are amazing and talented – and have old friends from over the years that I would not be the man I am today without them. I have a great family, including two cute nieces who will make great flower girls. My prayer, for now, is that you aren’t crazy (well, a little crazy is ok), love me for who I am and who I still have the potential to be, be up for whatever life brings – like the time I got to do the Dougie with Charles Barkley at the Final Four – that you are a strong and confident woman, and that you love to laugh. I have no doubt that you will be pretty, and am confident that everything else will fall into place.

So…since you received this letter…that means you are “her”. I’ve prayed for you for a long time. Garth Brooks said “God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” Not this time, Garth. You (as in “her” – not Garth) are the greatest gift I could ever ask for.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered – I’m Yours
- Bo

Move…get out the way…

As I have been living in the mountains outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico for two months now, I have observed a lot of things…

1. New Mexicans put green chile on everything.
2. A lot of people just don’t get it.
3. I really do miss being around a lot of friends and people my own age.
4. I am surrounded by limitless beauty.
5. Old people are frightened of young people.

Now when I say old – I mean older than me. (27 in December…yikes!)

Let me explain. I have noticed that middle aged folks and older treat those younger than them like children. Do they think that we are morons? Or are they simply threatened by our energy and capabilities.

This is true in many facets of life that younger people are treated as second or lower class citizens/workforce. The problem is not that we have to start low on the totem pole and work our way up – rather that many of my friends are not even getting that opportunity to work their way up. In the book I am reading now for the 2nd time called “The 60 Second Leader” – the author says a line I cannot get out of my head…”You have to give ordinary people a chance to be extraordinary.” My generation is capable of giant things. What is going to end up happening – is we will stop asking. We will just start doing. And instead of an ally – many people will find us as foe. This is not a threat against those 40+. But it seems to me you would rather help cultivate that promise that so many of us exude, instead of slamming the door in our faces.

This frustration mainly reared its ugly head as I was without employment and kept losing out to people with 20+ years of experience. I am now working in a job with a boss that pushes me to greatness. I am so thankful for this opportunity. But the other day – I was feeling a little frustrated and left out. My internship is with sales/events – but he knows that I am also striving to learn and take in as much as possible. I told him that I would like to be apart of any/all meetings that he would feel comfortable having me and would like to learn more than just sales/events. He was so gracious and said that he would be more than happy to include me in everything he can. He sees my desire for success – and is helping me fuel that fire.

The main point I have is 2 fold…

1. Young(er) people – learn all that you can from those older/wiser than you. But at the same time – do not be intimidated and be confident in who you are.
2. Old(er) people – We are not here to change everything and make you obsolete. We simply want our time to shine. And better to give us those opportunities than for them to be grabbed in a hostile take-over.

There always have been and always will be major generational gaps between folks of different ages. The focus should not be one person or one way being better than the other. Its using all life experiences and knowledge for formulate the best of both worlds. There is no room in the workplace, schools, churches, Starbucks for bitterness, jealousy and spiteful attitudes. We are all here together – and must find a way to work side-by-side.