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What’s Your Future Story?

In Medici Effect, Frans Johansson identified the process by which innovation often comes from bringing experts from different fields together to provide unique perspectives on an issue.  This process happened this week as the insights of two individuals—an entrepreneur educator and a theological educator—came together to reinforce an idea that I addressed in a previous blog.

At the Willow Creek Leadership Summit last Thursday, Len Schlesinger, president of Babson College, explained, “If you can’t predict the future—and it seems increasingly you can’t—action trumps thinking.”  In other words, if you can’t predict the future, create it.  There comes a certain point where continuing to amass data makes no difference; it is time to act.  You will never have enough information and the crucial moment for action must be seize.  Schlesinger said, “Stop thinking about what you want to do and start thinking about what you want to do next.”

On Sunday morning, Molly Marshall, the president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary preached at our church.  As she talked about “Hoping with God,” she referenced pastoral educator Andy Lester’s comment that each of us has the opportunity to “craft a future hope.”  We can spend a great deal of time reflecting on the story of our past that we cannot change or we can write our future story.  God has placed in our hands the resources to do this.  Dr. Marshall went on to explain how this is done as part of the Christian community.

I wrote last week that history doesn’t always repeat itself.  I pointed out that we should not become attached to any method, program, or emphasis because it may be transitory.  The statements of Drs. Schlesinger and Marshall reminded me that God has given us the responsibility for our future.  Events may cause us to adapt or change our trajectory, but those decisions are in our hands.  We have been uniquely gifted by God to make a difference in the world.  Let’s get on with it!


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