When time stands still…

People who know me recognize that I am busy. Most meetings start with thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule, or appreciation for me giving them minutes in a day filled with more critical minutes spent on more essential tasks. These last few days, I have recognized what those words really mean and I the message today is for all that have said that to me in the past, you know who you are. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV) I have one on ones scheduled with not only my direct reports, but also individuals that either reach out or who’s leaders reach out for me to “mentor” them. These one on ones are the highest priority on my calendar only surpassed by senior leaders placing time on my calendar. I don’t have these engagements because I have to, but because I want to. I had two of these meetings late this week and I have not stopped talking about either engagement. These meetings fill my cup as much as theirs. It gives me a chance to pay it forward, to share my lessons learned and in doing so, to learn myself. So for those individuals, you matter more than those busy schedules, you are my critical tasks.