It was an impressive room. I arrived early so I could have some time to connect with a few friends and try to make a few more before the meeting started. As the morning moved on, the room filled up with some of the brightest minds in the industry, gathering for a few hours of sharing ideas, discussing solutions, and hearing from experts on important topics.
For years, this meeting has taken place, and I try to never miss it, as it’s one that always leaves me better for the encounter. Surrounding myself with people smarter than me is such an important part of growth.
Our Core Conviction of “Be The Expert” speaks to this. Whatever you choose to do in life, choose to do it with a level of expertise. Constantly be learning and working on your craft. Recognize also that you need mentors, people who have walked the path before you and care enough to guide you on your journey. And have the humility to realize you can’t be the expert at everything, so surround yourself with people more capable than you, let them do their jobs, and hope some of their expertise rubs off on you.
If you are the smartest person in the room (or you think you are), it's time to find another room.
"As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut." (Ecclesiastes 5:1)
Solomon puts the cookies on the bottom shelf on this one. Sometimes it's best to just listen and learn. An incredibly difficult concept for me, especially when it comes to prayer. I want to petition, ask, beg, and drop my desires and concerns on God's lap. I go on and on, and oftentimes forget to just sit quietly in His presence and listen for the answer.
Silence can be awkward, so we fill it. I love the old saying, better to sit there quietly and let people think you are a fool than to open your mouth and prove them right.
Yes, when you have something meaningful to contribute to others, contribute it for sure. But if your lips are always moving at such a pace that your ears get bored, you aren't learning or getting better. The Bible promises that if you ask the Lord for wisdom, He will give it to you. So make the ask, sit quietly, be patient, and let God deliver...He always keeps His promises.