“I have an idea.”
These words come out of my mouth almost every day of my life. Those within hearing distance do one of three things. They either perk their ears ready to listen and engage, roll their eyes and run away or smile and say something like, “Well, that’s an idea.” I love envisioning new projects, extraordinary adventures, and world-changing interventions. Some of my ideas work, most go through multiple revisions, and many others get dumped into a virtual trash can.
I relish any opportunity to sit in a coffee shop with my husband, Richard. Utilizing the modern technology of pen and napkin, we chat and chart our destinies. But all of the ideating exercises in the world mean nothing if they remain sketches on paper.
I was reminded of that when I re-read The Art of Work by Jeff Goins.* In a chapter entitled “Life Is Not a Dream,” Jeff shares a conversation with a friend and publishing entrepreneur.
Every week Jonathan and his friends would get together for dinner,gathering around the kitchen table to talk about their hopes and dreams and what they would do with their lives someday.
‘One night,’ he recalled, ‘we were all sitting around my kitchen table, talking like we always did. We were thinking about what life would be like when our dreams came true, if only circumstances were different, you know? And then someone spoke up and said, ‘What if we stopped saying “what if” and started saying “let’s?”
That was it for Jonathan. It was the challenge he needed to get started with his dream. Instead of saying “what if,” he started saying “let’s.” He ditched the dreams and instead became a person of action.
The Art of Work, Jeff Goins (2015) – p. 125
LET’S — It’s the word that has changed our lives. We sat around our dining room table for months imagining the “what-ifs”. Then we began saying “let’s.” Let’s share the concepts of Re-Ignite with our peers. Let’s sell our house, quit our jobs, develop ministry partners, expand our vision, and go for it! Once we said, “let’s,” our ideas grew feet – maybe wings! – and concepts and dreams began their evolution into reality.
Three months ago, we said “let’s” again. This time it went something like, “Let’s get this message to more people through the internet.” Whew. We embarked on a journey of becoming “Educational Entrepreneurs.” We established RE-IGNITE U! Thanks to the volunteer help of our friend Dennis Himes, we videotaped all of our Re-Ignite retreat presentations. We developed handouts, assignments, subscribed to an online learning platform, learned new software, and put all the Re-Ignite process into a 9-session course that people can take in their own space and at their own pace! They don’t have to travel to us, nor is it necessary for a church to host an entire retreat. It’s all there! It all came out of the word, “let’s.” CLICK HERE to learn more!
The word “let’s” implies two things: 1.There is more than one person involved. There is an US, a partnership, a team, a coalition. 2. There is forward movement. Action.
Re-Ignite is about engaging a generation. Uniquely designed individuals who are living out their passion and God’s purpose for their lives, come together to make a difference in the world.
What a great idea.
LET’S do this!
Written by Leona Bergstrom, Director, Re-Ignite
Copyright 2018, 2015
Canstockphotos #18535603 and 16757653
