Once life begins, so does growth and change. It doesnt seem possible that at one time I was a 9 pound baby and 21 inches long. But the reality is that anything alive will change and grow according to the environment in which it exists. That growth has converted me to a man of 195 pounds and nearly six feet in height.

If our environment is healthy, we are usually healthy. If in an unhealthy environment, then we could be unhealthy. So goes the route of humanity.

To truly grow freely two things have to happen. 1) We have to eliminate those unhealthy conditions that will stymie our growth; and 2) We have to nurture ourselves with those nutrients, habits, healthy conditions that stimulate growth.

Whatever our status in life we have choices to make that will drive our life outcomes. We choose, in many cases, whether we will grow, stay stagnant, or decline.

Nearly 40 years ago I suffered with “kidney cancer”. My right kidney had to be removed and the best encouragement my doctors could give me was: we think we got all the cancer, we had to remove your right kidney, and we want you to go to Denver for radiation treatment.

In speaking with my doctor I asked the question, “How should I live my life with one kidney?” His response was quite amazing: You have two kidneys to provide a back up if one fails. Naturally your body will function perfectly with one kidney. Do not live with the fear that your other kidney will fail you. It is healthly and you will still live along time. Don’t avoid life risks but live your life to the fullest.

Since that time, I have moved on with a fearless mentality. I have lived life to the fullest, I have enjoyed adventure travel and hard work. I try to watch my weight, eat healthy and regularly exercise.

Choices are made everyday by each of us. I hope you choose to “grow” and expand yourself. I hope you determine to be a life long learner and a world changer. Choose to live fearlessly, knowing that God knows the number of days each of us will have on this earth. Scripture says that every man’s days are numbered. God has you here for a purpose, a focus, and a calling.

You can do it, but you much choose to grow, cause thats what living organisms do.

     While playing golf as a guest with a major donor for North Central University I again put my tee in the ground and bounced a couple of shots off the top of some million dollar homes. I remember my friend stating; “Roger you need to take some lessons so you can enjoy the game. He said, everyone needs a coach, even Tiger Woods; one for mental toughness, one for golf swing, one for game management, and one for phyical body strength and care”.

     I took the advice of my valued friend and got some golf lessons. My coach watched me swing, attended to my grip, focused my head and eyes toward key targets, and literally had me hitting the ball straight after the first lesson.

     In lessons following my golf coach worked on my drives again and we reviewed the previous lessons and moved onto some other key components of my golf game such as putting, chipping, fairway shots, and course management.

     All of my training took place off the golf course for the first few weeks. My coach gave me things to work between lessons  to help me learn new habits and golf shot behaviour. Honestly, I did not have to unlearn hardly anything. I simply learned how to golf from an expert who knew how to play the game, knew the steps needed to learn how to hit the ball, and knew how to coach others to help them get better.

     Today I really reflect back on those early golf years and realize that I have come along way and I do enjoy the game and try to get out to play weekly.
Thanks Larry Bach or teaching me how to golf, minimize my frustrations and mistakes, and to maximize my enjoyment of the game.
I guess its true, everyone does need a friend, a coach, a strategist, a mentor, or even a shrink sometimes to improve our lives, profession, and/or ministry.
Who in your life has supplied encouragement, direction, focus, and support to help you get from point A to point B in your life?
I suggest you look back to your past to review who has helped and influenced your life.
Have a great day! Help someone on their life journey today! You’ll be glad you did!

Your True North Strategist
Roger Lane

Equip Backstage session with Dr. Sam Halgerson from Minnesota Church Multiplication on Vimeo.