Or, if you haven't started yet, why do you want to build/create/start whatever it is you're planning?

Test your skills? Fame? Glory? Money? A lot of us do it for the money. Money is an incredible motivator.

I wrote a post shouting out Bruce E. Miller's Your Life in Rhythm. I know that come mid-September it's go time. Our team will be entering a full blown push season stacked with travel and long weeks.

We're ok with this. Actually, we're more than ok with it. We're looking forward to it. It's planned and we know where our break will be (Thanksgiving).

Therefore, the team has got to be intentional with our families, friends, health—making sure the things that truly matter most in our lives are being tended to. This is always a tension to live in when you're doing a startup with God.

Back to my opener…

Why are we doing what we're doing?

Today at the beach we saw a family frantically searching for their youngest. They had 3 boys. Grace and I have 3 boys. All similar ages.

It was a heart-sinking moment. Chaos. The phrase "losing your mind" applies here. Every horrible thought you could imagine was running through the minds of those parents. Is he drowning?! Was he kidnapped?!

We rallied nearby families and parents to help the search. Grace and I started praying. Incredible news: One of their family friends ultimately found the child—almost a mile down the beach from where they were camped out!

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord.

So here's the thing… my Labor Day weekend has been full of good food, family, laughs and joy, yet somehow a moment like this allowed God to convict and remind me of what matters most. In my case, my family.

The conviction crystallizes your why. It motivates you to be intentional with your marriage, parenting, friendships, ministry, and career.

So what motivates me?

Yes, I have great confidence that Seedling is something our team has felt God has asked us to steward. However, for myself, it isn't the only motivator. I'd be lying to you if I didn't believe that wealth and recognition weren't part of what I desire.

I think this is a good place to end. From time to time we need to be reminded of what matters most in our lives. To bring us back to first principles. To anchor us in something greater than money, power or fame—something eternal.

Because when we die, we aren't taking any of that with us.