I had something confirmed this weekend and then “re-confirmed.” I love challenge and I like to challenge “systems;” or in other words how things are being done. Some time ago I heard Andy Stanley say that you know you are a leader when you constantly challenge the system, not because things are bad, you just want to see things done in excellence. You see how different meetings, missions, sermons, greeters, etc fit together and the impact that is being made.

Well that is me! Sometimes I think I am in challenge mode every waking minute of my day. I will go shopping and begin to look at how the person treated me at the front door, or how the product line is laid out or how clean the store is and on and on.  Before anyone asks, yes I do challenge the systems in place at the church I attend. No, I am not always vocal, but you can be sure that when I am, I have thought things out and it is never intended to be a negative meeting. I once heard that if you see a problem, don’t complain about it unless you are ready to offer some solutions. I agree with this completely. There are too many people willing to be complainers, I want to be a solution maker /  giver.

Now I want to take this challenge mode away from church, charity or business and have it come home. How often do you “challenge” your marriage? Do you ever look at it and say to yourself; “I could do this better, or I can do that for my spouse?” Have you ever thought “how in the world did we get in this spot?” Even in our marriages systems develop and they can do well, they can fail or worse yet become stagnant. Sit down with your spouse and talk about what your marriage looks like to each other. Point out the strong areas and weak areas, but be careful. No finger pointing, no words like “you don’t” or “you won’t.” This is meant to take your marriage to a higher level, take it deeper in love and cherish each other in new ways.

For those of you single folks, apply challenging to your dating practices. What are you really looking for in a date? Are you looking for a spouse or just someone to share some fun times with? Do you have false ideas (systems) set up and dating just seems not to work? MAYBE it is something you are doing and it needs to be changed. I have several friends that ask me at least once a week “what is wrong with me?”  I cannot tell you how I really dislike this question! If you are questioning “what is wrong with yourself” then you need to be honestly ready for an answer. That answer from me: start thinking positive! Tell yourself: ” I am a great catch,” I have a lot to offer,” “I love myself and I am ready to love someone else too.” Better yet, maybe you need to quit trying so hard and let God guide you to that one special person.

Now go out – have a spectacular day and remember: Challenge can be a very good thing!