Leveraging Weaknesses

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeI've heard and read in several places that parents who give into children crying for things does nothing but teach the child that crying will result in he or she getting their way. It's a weakness parents can have.

Another weakness in self-discipline is exercise. People may have good intentions but when it comes to hard work, they may not go as long and hard as they could without someone pushing them.

I say all of this because my son loves to watch someone play 'hula hoop' on Nintendo's Wii Fit. He also thoroughly enjoys the 'free run' and will chase us around the den. However, when it's time to quit - we see a fit. There is a complete meltdown of this 2 year old.

That's when I realized IF I were weak enough to give into his crying, it might force me into more exercise because I don't won't to see him upset. It would be one thing if he was crying because I am fat and may die of bad health, but I'm pretty sure that's not the case.

Anyway, it made me wonder how you could leverage one weakness to help you improve in another weakness. Any ideas?

Free Dessert Buffet

Image via WikipediaI really like dessert. However, I rarely eat it or order it when I go to a restaurant. Usually because I don't feel like adding another $5 to my bill and often times I'm too full. Those restaurants that serve free ice cream always stand out to me. I'm sure the cost is built in, but that doesn't bother me.

So, if a restaurant could incorporate the cost of a dessert buffet after your meal, would it fly? People like dessert. It's different and would be remembered.

Along the same lines, I'd like to see a restaurant up their food price a little and stop charging $2 for a soft drink or tea. That's ridiculous and people hate it. So, make your food a little better and offer free drinks and refills with every entree. Whether people are getting a deal or not, I bet they would feel like they were.

Imagine this conversation: "Where should we go for lunch?"

"I know, let's go to that place that serves FREE drinks and desserts."

Utah as National Champs?

Image via WikipediaI forgot the Fiesta bowl was even on television last night. This morning I had no idea that Texas beat Ohio State. It also begs this question - will I watch Thursday's National Championship game between Florida and Oklahoma? Maybe, if I don't forget.

You see, I love watching college football but because there isn't a playoff system, I believe Utah is entitled to #1 regardless of what happens Thursday. Ending an undefeated season with a win over Alabama was enough for me. You certainly don't have to agree with me and I admit there are some solid arguments for why other teams should be #1.

I don't believe a BCS system can identify the top two teams to play for a championship, but I like the odds better of a BCS system identifying the top 8 teams for a playoff.

So, to the BCS sponsors, I'm sorry. Right now, I just can't support your business because you fund this foolishness.

• Tostitos - you're not the only chip.
  
• All State - I'll take a good neighbor over good hands.
  
• Fed Ex - Brown will work for me, just fine.
• Citi - Well let's just say I already don't like you.

Congratulations Utah. Your record is the only thing unblemished in this year's BCS controversy.

A Change of View

Image by benben via FlickrYesterday morning during the worship gathering at our congregation, something stood out to me. It was a change in the way things looked and whether it was intentional or not, I enjoyed the change.

In the front of our sanctuary there are three huge projections screens that are lowered from the ceiling toward the back of the stage. Since my time at this congregation, there has always been black cloth draped across PVC piping just beneath the screens, making the stage appear smaller and less obtrusive. It always looked like a puppet stage to me. In fact, it has been used as such from time to time.

Well, yesterday morning the puppet stage was gone and over half of the stage was revealed behind where it rested. However, that's not what caught my eye. Above the stage, the center screen was raised and the curtains to the baptistery were opened as the water reflected the light from above. Unfortunately, it was an old baptistery sporting the institutional green, but I quickly got over that. I've seen cow ponds that were greener, so I count my blessings. The point is that, it's been awhile since I actually looked at a baptistery.

As I continued to gaze, I couldn't help but think about what baptism meant to me. It created a moment of reflection and private worship. Then I thought about the black drapes that were once there and the symbolism began flying from the stage reminding me of the journey we take in Christ, from darkness to light. It was a nice moment.

OC readers... I'm not suggesting the stage stay this way, but I wouldn't object if it did.