Matthew 5:37

If you've had the opportunity of knowing me for the past five years, you know that I approach the task at hand with the utmost perfection.  If you knew me prior to this, you may expect just the opposite as I spent the first part of my life cutting corners, getting out of responsibilities, and looking out for myself only. 

Now, where this change is typically a gradual process for most, mine came first in the form of opportunity.  The shifting moment was on my first day at a company called TeleSmart Networks.  President Mark Bilton-Smith walked into my office, set a laptop and a Blackberry in front of me, and simply stated, "I've got to leave for a meeting, go sell."  Trial by fire!

With the next five years came an incredible ride, an incredible test.  From the largest RFP that TeleSmart had been awarded, to a corporate acquisition, to starting anew, it has all instilled in me a valuable lesson.  I could either own up to my new-found success, or tap dance around responsibility and watch it fall as most opportunities I'd faced.  I chose the former and allowed this value pour out into everything I take on.  The lesson is to let my yes be yes, and my no be no.

From my father, I believe I learned this lesson.  He has never instructed me to, yet has always personified it without compromise.  From my mother, I've learned to know when to loosen my grip on this practice and offer grace to those who may not hold dear such standards.  And from my wife I am humbled by her patience with me as I further progress through this life skill.

As you follow my blogging endeavors, all three of you, know that my aim is to carry this lesson, value, and God-breathed scripture through all that I do and say.

-Andy