Community Post Summary: Moving Beyond Mediocrity

Parenting is tough. (Is that the understatement of the decade, or what?)

Just this morning, my husband Carey and I took a walk and discussed how to find a balance between nudging our kids toward excellence without pushing them over the edge of perfectionism. We want them to grasp the concept of giving their best--to God and others--while knowing that they are loved just as they are.

Carey and I decided we need a lot of prayer and wisdom, and we're thankful we are not in the journey alone.

Here at The High Calling, a few of our community members participated in a similar conversation this week about "Moving Beyond Mediocrity."

Sandra Heska King wrote about her son's job, in which he helps people move. She noted that the way he does his job helps people see the face of God.

In an article about "second mile service" he received, Jim Lange encouraged readers to strive to make every encounter a "wow!" experience.

Marni Arnold shared a time when she had to say "No" in order to obey her Heavenly Father and seek His best for her life.

Amy Sullivan reflected on a season in which she failed to give her all and gleaned lessons from her childhood memories (specifically, a beanbag).

Finally, Michelle DeRusha posted about the persistence and determination it took to find an agent and land a book contract. She had to open herself up to criticism and learn from it, without giving into despair or self-condemnation.

What about you (and me)? How could we move from mediocrity to excellence? Is there a way we could partner with someone to keep us accountable, create a schedule, or otherwise set ourselves up for success?

As David Rupert said in his featured article: "...acting small doesn’t do a thing for the world. Playing it safe doesn’t impact your workplace, your school, or your family."

Moving Beyond Mediocrity

This article is part of our series, Moving Beyond Mediocrity. How often in your daily life do you think, “I wish I could do better”? It’s the feeling you get when you realize you aren’t really trying. Your job, your family, even your hobbies: they are worth working harder. But what does it take to move beyond mediocrity? How do you quit using your education, your upbringing, your circumstances, even your faith, as an excuse to keep you from doing your best? Join us as we discuss giving it our all in our workplaces and our homes, in our communities and our churches, for the common good and for the glory of God. Also, consider inviting others to join you by sharing these stories via email, Facebook, Twitter, or networks you are part of.

Image by Bill Vriesma. Used by permission. Pingram designed by Jennifer Dukes Lee for The High Calling.