Are You Paying Your Rent?

Issue #47

One of the challenges we all face is accepting people who are different from ourselves. I don't mean race, culture, religion, or nationality; I'm talking about the little things that separate people.

Is there someone in your life who talks too much or too little? Are there people whom you perceive to be stuck-up or arrogant? Do you dislike fat people or sloppy people? Is there someone in your life who is too organized or too thin? Do you think all poets and artists are crazy and should get a job that pays a salary? Do you not like how someone combs her hair or wears her clothes?

As George Washington Carver points out, we are all human. We have all been young, and if we live long enough, we will all grow old. What people who complain about growing old should realize is that the alternative is dying young.

The interesting idea in this quote is that we need to be tolerant of both the strong and the weak. And it is easy to see the importance of being tolerant of the weak, but why the strong? I think the reason we need to be tolerant of the strong is because they also make mistakes.

As a society, we put people on a pedestal and then knock them off. We don't like it when our heroes are too perfect. We prefer them to have clay feet so we can knock them down.

It is a privilege and honor to be a creative leader. We have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people. Creative leaders provide tremendous value to societies and the people who make up those societies. We entertain, inspire, inform, and teach. We give hope when hope is needed.  

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Thank the author with all your heart for the hours he spent writing and rewriting that book. Have you ever read a novel that made you cry? Thank the author. Have you ever listened to a piece of music again and again because it touched your soul? Thank the composer and the musicians. Have you ever stood before a statue with your mouth wide open in awe? Thank the sculptor. Have you ever sat for hours in a museum studying a painting of a master? Thank the painter for sharing his talent.

Be thankful for the privilege of serving others and helping ease their pain. For giving them a few moments of laughter, joy, and encouragement. For helping them bear the loneliness of living.  For saving them from their thoughts of suicide. Creative leaders are seldom aware of the impact and influence they have on people's lives. If they did, they would be thankful every day for the gift they have been given.

Plant seeds of hope in the hearts of others.