He’s back, and better than ever! Oh wait, Captain Me Planet is about how I screw up, not how I am here and am saving the world from its problems. Usually these posts let you in on a downer. Something I’ve done recently that is either prideful or has some sort of “me first” mentality. It’s been good for me to not just share my successes with you. I’m going to ease into doing that a bit more, but a dose of humility is always needed. We’re all “Captain Me Planets” (coined by Brian Regan) if we dare to admit it.

The Captain wanted to spice it up a bit today. He read yesterday’s post about our community of messy people (yes, you included), and wants to take it a step further. Here’s the dialogue I’ve had with him the past few days. He’s a tough guy. Not sure where he gets his energy.

• ME: How are things going in YOUR world Captain?
• CAPT: Apparently, as I’m sure you can tell, I have many new fans. Could life get any better?
• ME: Have you engaged with your fans this week? Do your fans know who you really are, or do they just applaud as you fly in, save the day, and fly out?
• CAPT: Why would I want to engage with them? After I am gone I will have left the world a better place!
• ME: You might be doing great things, even things other haven’t done. Wouldn’t it be great to encourage someone else. Maybe even train them to be able to do what you do. You know, so the world could continue to improve after you are no longer around?
• CAPT: You know, I never thought about it that way. Someone helped me get to where I am. I’m sure I could do the same!
• ME: Well, Captain. I think you and I should take this with us this week. It’s always reliable. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.” Philippians 2:3

What kind of situations put you in a position of being a Captain Me Planet? A few of mine would be posting blogs or message on the web, talking to people about technology when I know they might be be as “proficient”, not stopping what I am doing when someone needs my attention, praying sometimes more about what I might want than what others might need.

PRAYING for you as you consider transplanting the amazing work God has done in your life into the life of another. PRAISING God for giving us such challenging words that last through generations.

I’m anticipating sharing an awesome (and large) project with you in the near future. The biggest undertaking of my life, with the most opportunity to make an impact for the kingdom of God. I’ve learned a few things while getting started with it. When I started working on it it was mostly about how I could make it happen…..and a “little” bit of what God could do. I prayed about it at times, but wasn’t really relying on God to work things out. I wouldn’t say I was anticipating his next move. I was anticipating what I was going to have to do to get the ball rolling.

Two weeks ago God turned a light on. I didn’t realize I was in the dark. I thought I (Captain Me Planet) was doing just fine. Looking back on where the project was headed now I just have to smile at what God had in store. The details of this project keep clearing up as God allows me to join with others in preparation. Just today I was hanging out with my friend Kary Obebrunner, and God used him to bring up a couple of thoughts that only He could. I look forward to becoming less of a Captain Me Planet and let God’s timing and plan override mine. Have you either stepped into a project too quickly and wished you wouldn’t have? Or have there been moments where you’ve seen things come together in a way only God could have allowed and that was near impossible for yourself?

PRAYING for a high school friend of mine that was in a bad accident this past week. PRAISING God for a wife that always lets Him bring her out of discouraging moments in life.

Can’t believe I’m actually doing this, but here we go! I’m a huge fan of the comedian Brian Regan. He’s phenomenal at creating real-life scenarios that almost everyone relates to. One of his funniest acts that I really relate to often takes place on a commercial airliner. You’ve probably seen the person before. The one who brought too much luggage onto the plane to fit it into their overhead compartment? They stand there for 10 minutes pushing harder and harder, hoping the dead yak that they brought with them eventually (and miraculously) fits. They don’t give a single thought to the 25 individuals standing in line behind them, let alone have the audacity to move to the side just a bit to let them through.

The people standing directly behind them might be wondering why “Captain Me Planet” thinks the world revolves around him. They’re perfectly fine just bringing on a tiny purse or computer and minding their own business. More importantly, their focus isn’t on themselves.

I’ll admit, there are times when I do a decent job at thinking of others first, but am eager to start blogging a bit about ways I make the world revolve around me. I’ll start off being brutally honest. I’ll sometimes sit at my desk, enjoying some peace and quiet in the evenings. My kids could just be acting like kids, not out to hurt anyone, and I’ll expect them to quiet down. I could have worked a little harder during the day and gotten the work done before they got home. In time for me to enjoy more moments with them. But no, I’m the Captain and prefer that the loudness be contained to my liking no matter what’s going on around me. Wow – better stop there! This won’t be the last Captain Me Planet post, that’s for sure. Any other Captains dealing with things like this?