It is Tuesday. I have spent the day in the hospital with my wife as she had a procedure done. She did well and now we wait for the results which can take about one to two weeks. There are times that the waiting is actually more anxious than knowing. This is the time when faith is so important. For we all of us waiting for something better in our lives that occur after our life here on this earth is over. Until such a time and in the midst of the anxiety, we depend on faith to see us through.

Tuesday is also a time when I receive my Serving strong. Once again I found it pertinent to what I have been reflecting on.

Serving Strong eNews A Tuesday morning minute just for you because you care for others.
Underminers
Undermine. The term comes from the act of digging under a castle wall in preparation to breach its defenses. You are under - mining it (digging a mine under it.)

This metaphor can be applied to our calling as people-helpers. There are things, circumstances, attitudes, and people who can act to breach our defenses and weaken our posture of strength.

YOUR UNDERMINERS

What is breaching your defenses and undermining your ability to serve strong? We each have them. They are unique to each of us. Some are a product of our making. Others are imposed on us. The first step in dealing with them is to identify them. Here are a few Underminers to nudge your creativity:
That chronic complainer you know
Going too long without sleep
Being overdrawn in your bank account
Personal criticism
The state of the global economy
A personal bad habit
Gripping a grudge or failing to forgive
Interpersonal conflict
Too much to do in too little time
Little-to-no space to think, dream, reflect, and plan
Hit-or-miss relationship with God
Once you identify them, determine exactly how they are keeping you from being strong and why you are allowing them in. When undermined, you aren't firing on all cylinders... your span of care suffers... you aren't at your best.

Now, carve out 1 or 2 positive next steps you will take over the next 7 days to positively address a couple Underminers from under your "castle walls."


photo credit

I'll "see" you right here next week.
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