Several years ago, Jenny and I were watching NCIS LosAngeles. Yes, yes, we were watching a real TV show, like older people do. My favorite character on that show is LL Cool J. Even his name is cool. It was the end of an episode, and the character LL Cool J plays (Sam) is being congratulated by Henrietta for once again saving the known world in less than 60 minutes – BAM! His reply to the compliment? Dat’s what we do!
I used that phrase as an illustration in my following week’s staff meeting and later in the week, the staff team put my head (photographically) on LL Cool J’s body with the caption “Dat’s What We Do.”. NICE. The last time I had a six-pack rather than a keg was 41 years ago. But I digress…
Sam Hannah’s phrase in NCIS Los Angeles is still a great statement to pose as a question for all of us. What exactly is it that you do? I don’t mean, what’s your title, or position on an organizational chart. I mean, what do you do with all that the Divine has called you to, equipped you for and prepared you to be? What do you actually do with the life you’ve been given?
If your answer to that question resembles (in any way) a title or a professional role, you’ve still not “heard the question.”
What we do, as we manage our way through work, faith, family, health and personal development is far more valuable than the title we hold, but it tends to get our afterthoughts and second best efforts. What we do determines our state of peace, fulfillment, and joy.
If you’re still not sure about dat which you do, here are three helpful questions to work through:
- What is it that captivates your soul, and launches you into the day and allows you to focus on significance? The Divine may very well have a plan that includes a fresh start and a new spiritual pallet. Ask, and you’ll receive. Seek, and you will find. Can you lay your head on your pillow each night knowing you were used by God today, for His glory and your good? If not, then…
- Strive to have eternally significant moments each day. The fastest way to discovering all that the Divine has in store for you is to see through spiritual lenses and embrace that which has eternal consequences. When we make ourselves available for eternally significant moments, we are preparing our souls for God’s richest blessings. Are you preparing your soul for the receipt of God’s best? Great! Then you can…
- Chase after peace in your life. I believe that when we seek peace, we will discover fulfillment. When we discover fulfillment, we find our souls contented. Peace is not a Facebook status. Peace is when your head and your heart are in alignment with the Divine and with those you love most. If you really want to know how you are doing, ask yourself this question – Am I at peace in my heart, mind, and soul? And if not, where is my shortfall and how can I use numbers 1 and 2 to get me to number 3?
The next time you find yourself in a rut, just think about LL Cool J as he speaks those magical words; “Dat’s What We Do!
–Chuck
