Maybe your job is just to lay the stone


​Hey Reader,​

1. A quick word from Zach

One of the hardest things to accept is that the most important work you do may not be finished by you. But that doesn't make it less valuable work - it may actually be the kind of work that matters most.

video preview

2. Something worth watching (or listening to)

If you’ve been feeling the tension between fast results and lasting work, this episode of The Surthrivalist Podcast lands right in that space. It’s about recovering the imagination to build something your children - and their children - can continue.

3. Something worth thinking about

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

~ Jeremiah 29:4-7

4. Something worth trying

Pick one area of your life - business, family, or church - and ask, "What it would look like to build for 100 years instead of 10 minutes?"

Then make one decision this week that reflects the longer view.


That's it for this week.

P.S. If today's issue of Dear Sam blessed you or challenged you, would you forward it along to a brother who might need to hear it as well?

To thriving,

Zach Wise

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What is "Dear Sam", anyway? This column started with a real person — a friend and client named Sam. I write each issue with him in mind, and with you in mind, too.

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Dear Sam

Weekly encouragement and practical business wisdom for Christian business men who want to lead well, steward wisely, and build businesses that leave room for life.

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