Old & New

"Never confuse change for a lack of respect for tradition." Buck Showalter

Buck is the manager for professional baseball's Baltimore Orioles and a former major league player. He is a well-respected leader who is extremely intelligent and well-versed in baseball history. While he understands the value of change and progress, he clearly values the foundation that history has built for the present. Buck appreciates what has been done while also working with today's leaders to move forward.

Recognizing the need for growth while honoring tradition is a delicate balance. Too often leaders are passionate about the potential of the future and neglect to pay homage to the past. Even when a cultural shift is necessary there should be some recognition of the traditions that have build a solid foundation. It's the decisions and actions of the past that have allowed this moment in the present to take place.

In case we might forget: the change of today will become the tradition of tomorrow. We'll take it more personally when it's our revolutionary shift that is now being phased out for something new. Treating traditions with respect while continuing to move forward creates momentum that honors the past and the future.

Shifting

I desire for my perspective to change. I want to shift my motivation for following God from one of obligation and expectation to one of godly passion. I read in Psalm 119 of the passionate desire to meditate and follow God's law and I know that it does not describe me-even if I want it to. I pray that God would transform my heart-even slowly if need be-so that my greatest pleasure is found in Him.


"I'm single-minded in pursuit of You; don't let me miss the road signs you've posted. I've banked Your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in Your ways of wise living. I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from Your mouth. I delight far more in what You tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from You, I attentively watch how You've done it. I relish everything You've told me of life, I won't forget a word of it."
-Psalm 119: 9-16 (The Message)