Don't tell anyone but I like being first. I know it's not polite or gracious, and I know that my mom taught me differently, but I can't help it, I want to be first. Whether it's approaching an intersection and deciding who was at the stop sign first, or driving down the highway, there is an urge inside me to be first. If someone is cutting an apple pie, I want the first piece. If the government is passing out another stimulus check, I want my social security number to put me in the first batch. If my wife is bringing dinner to the table, I want to be able to eat the first bite. Now, thankfully I do not always act upon my impulses. In fact, I have learned over time to put others first, maybe all those lectures from my mom finally did the trick. The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Phillipi church that we should be "... like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."In other words, we need to/have to learn to be second. The other day I came across this website www.iamsecond.com. I encourage you to check it out. A bunch of folks, some famous, some not have shared their journey to second place. My own journey to second has been a long, windy road full of foolishness and a multitude of mistakes. But the destination, second place, makes a world of difference in my life. I encourage you to check out I Am Second, and if you want to discuss how you might come in second place don't hesitate to contact me.
-J
