Here are two of the things I’ve been thinking about lately. I don’t think they have anything in common.
1. More positive feedback usually comes with more negative.
I preached at Central the last two weekends and have thought about the responses I’ve received. The first weekend I had a handful of nice comments from people. Last weekend I had quite a bit more nice comments from people… and also a few negative ones. The ratio is usually about 1 to 5. Luckily for me it’s 5 nice comments for every 1 critique. It’s made me ponder an interesting question though: would I want to get more positive feedback if I knew that meant more negative as well? The problem is that we always hear the negative louder, so even though in reality it’s 1 to 5 it feels like 3 to 1, with the 3 being negative.
2. The better my finances are, the more I check my bank account.
This one doesn’t make a ton of sense to me. Michelle and I were able to pay off some of our debt recently and I noticed that I was checking my bank account all the time to see the status of what things had posted and when. Conversely, when we’ve gone through tight times financially I usually have to make myself stare at the numbers even though I know those are the times when I need to give it the most thought.
What have you been thinking about lately?
I’ve been thinking about trying to find time for writing more. I feel like there’s a bunch of thoughts running around in the background of my mind that I need to formalize and get out! Like scampering critters always at the edge of my periphery that need catching. You know?
Oh I know! You need to check out http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php if you haven’t yet.
Jeremy,
Just wanted to up your percentages for good reviews. I think your last 2 sermons have been 2 of the best ever given. I thoroughly enjoyed both, and I look forward to future sermons. Keep up the great work. God bless.
Jeremy,
I have to agree with Jim, that you get better each time we hear you speak, and we thoroughly enjoy your insight from your age, because it is a bit different from our point of view. You have helped us become younger! God Bless, Joanne
Jim and Joanne: you are two of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met! Thanks for your perpetual encouragement!
Or perhaps a similar question might be “Can I learn as much from positive feedback/experiences as I can from negative ones”? For me the answer is infortunately “No.” I wish I had the fortitude to build up my life muscles without having to tear them down first … I am still trying to figure that one out. Thanks for the insight Jeremy
Hi Jeremy! Mike Morrell and I really appreciate your blog, and think you’d be an excellent candidate for our Speakeasy Blogger Network. Do you like to review off-the-beaten path faith, spirituality, and culture books? Speakeasy puts interesting books in your hands at no charge to you. You only get books when you request them, and it’s free to join. Sign up here, if you’d like: http://thespeakeasy.info
You’re not on any contact lists, I promise; if you don’t respond, that’s it, and the invitation is open as long as you’re actively blogging. Hope you join us!