12 Biggest Lessons of 2013

A few days ago, I did something different… I gave away my best work; a product that resulted from a 7-year journey of grace and hope. You see, free is not dumb! And I have stats to back it up:

In less than 24 hours, we had over a thousand downloads of the eBook on Amazon! We made it to #1 on Amazon.de and #3 on Amazon.com (in “Free Kindle Store” section). More importantly, that’s thousands of REAL people who now have an opportunity to experience God through the 90-day devotional.

 

That’s awesome and you made it happen. THANK YOU. Please be kind to leave a review on Amazon.

“More blessed to give” makes sense

If there’s one thing I’ve done this year (2013) more than ever, it’s giving. I’ve watched God bring me and my family through a season of uncertainty and transitions.

But throughout our journey on the broken road, we learned to empty ourselves and hands into others. On a personal level, I’ve come to experience immense joy at giving and watching God glorified in the process.

Scripture is right:

It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

 

12 biggest lessons I learned in 2013

So what were my biggest lessons of 2013? Twelve is not exhaustive. 2013 was a roller-coaster year for us but in the process we learned some life-transforming lessons, aptly captured in blog posts throughout the year:

Image by King Joash | Flickr

• The pursuit of convenience is like seeking a wasteland for shelter… Convenience makes no sense if you want to live purposefully.

• There’s a blessing for every ‘Goliath’ experience you encounter. Challenges remind us life is not about us and presents opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Embrace it.

• Living the God-intended life must be intentional. We’re called to live the life that matter.

• You’re ‘gooder’ than you think you are! You were made to be awesome!

• When the billows descend, when the enemies rage, when life overwhelms… write a letter to your soul. Literally.

• Waiting is a perfect opportunity for service. While you wait for your breakthrough, serve others. Transitions are not barren land. Rather, they’re places of purpose, opportunities and giving.

• Forgiveness sets you free. Life is too short to hold a grudge or be consumed by bitterness. There’s no better time to live to the fullest than when you’re alive – the dead can’t forgive.

• Leadership growth doesn’t happen in vacuum. It doesn’t jump on us. We must pursue and act on growth.

• Sometimes words are not enough for gratitude. Pictures can do a better job, like here.

• Leaders take risks. Leaders learn. Leaders connect and solve problems. Leaders lead. These four consistent steps make you a better leader.

• Risk is right. Take some!

• Your story matters. Tell it everyday by living a life of purpose and influence.

What have been your biggest lessons of 2013? Share in the comments.