What is success?

I have asked myself and others this question for many a year. Very few people agree on an answer. My answer has changed quite a bit over the years and I hope it continues to evolve, if a Christian can use such a word:)

I use to always judge personal success as hitting goals or milestones. Money has always been a big part of that definition. You know, the old way of being successful through winning and getting to the top, or at least in view of the top:) I never wanted to be "The Man" but I did want to directly report to "The Man." I did not want to be the one calling the shots but I wanted a seat at the table and be able to influence those shots. I have yet to attain the monetary goal that I set for myself about two decades ago but now I don't really care if I ever do. I almost got there, I could have gotten there, I know what it takes to get there but I am now unwilling to give up what it takes to get there. So am I successful? Let's wait and see how the Triplets turn out:)

How about success for your kids? Is success getting straight A's, going to the right school, being in the right clubs, making varsity, going to (the right) college, getting your MBA (or other advanced degree) then working 70 hours a week to make six digits then buy a lot of "stuff" only to find out that the stuff owns you? Or, as we are starting to see it, is "success" having fun, helping others, loving what you do, liking who you are, loving God, seeking God's will, wanting to do God's will, and finally knowing that God and your parents love you no matter what?

Seems that we (America) want to compete with the rest of the world. Well, to me, it seems that the rest of the world is not all that happy. It appears that they don't love what they do. OK, maybe they do like who they are. I say let the rest of the world devote their short time on Earth to solving "the world's" problems by working all the time, going to conferences, having conference calls, top grading talent and other "essential" things while we spend a little time playing, praying and helping others:)

Pity the man who inherits a million and isn't a millionaire.Here's what would be pitiful,if your income grew and you didn't.
Jim Rohn

There's no limit to what a man can achieve, if he doesn't care who gets the credit."
Laing Burns, Jr.

Al