It's About Time
21 October, 2009 -
Have you ever had one of those weeks when the distance between Monday and Friday became way too close? The ‘to-do’ list remained longer than the “done” list and every phone call led to just one more thing to do. It is at these times that we must take a note of what is going on in the inside as well as the outside. It’s not just pastors that face weeks like these, but leaders in the marketplace as well. Frequently, many of these leaders are the same people who finish work and head to church to volunteer. After expressing my frustration at my lack of progress in the week, my husband Brian emailed me a copy of the serenity prayer to remind me that there are some things I could change and other things, I would be foolish to think were within my control. No amount of stressing, worrying or complaining will change the outcome. The real challenge is learning to identify the difference.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not
as I would have it Trusting that He will make all things right if I
surrender to His Will That I may be reasonably happy in this life and
supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.
Amen
Reinhold Niebuhr
We talk about boundaries, Sabbath rest and self leadership, yet there are times when the demands can seem overwhelming. What we know in theory becomes hard to live in reality. When we lead, we lead from who we are what is in the inside does come out. Amidst our enthusiasm and passion it is easy to neglect the realities. I find this especially so when leading staff and volunteers. By nature, I have high expectations of myself and others. When my expectations and reality are not close, what lies within is just frustration. This frustration oozes out like ice-cream between wafers on a hot day. It drips all over those closest to me - family and significant friends. We think we can hide it, but in reality we can’t. We need to be aware of what is happening around us as we lead. Are we communicating the message we really want others to see, feel and hear? Leadership is more than getting the job done...Leading people is about investing in them personally as well as empowering them to serve well. When we see the task alone, we miss the person. We can command performance and achievement, “you’ve done a great job!”. But if we fail to see the person, these words remain on the surface. “A year ago you would have panicked and called in sick, but now you embrace the challenge, breathe deeply and look at what you have achieved!” See the difference, one focuses on the task, the other see the person in the task. When we look for people to grow in their ministry, we will help them identify next steps, we will encourage them according to what they want to achieve and resource them accordingly. I wonder how many of your volunteers or staff actually feel like you know their goals and see you as one of their cheerleaders. Think of three people who God has entrusted to your care to develop as leaders. Where are their strengths/passions and gifts? What do they bring to the team? How can they grow in their leadership? Be specific... How will they know they are growing? - How do they define success? Some things we can change some we cannot. Wisdom comes when we evaluate our choices. Did I make the right call? Was there another way? What learning has this experience brought me (both positive and negative)? So when those weeks come crashing in around us and we feel discouraged, we won’t quit. We may be bruised, but we will not be broken, we may feel crushed but we will not be destroyed, our biggest victory will be standing firm, knowing who we are in Christ, growing more like him and intentionally placing value on those whom we do life with. I am looking forward to meeting up with many of you at the GLS site near you. Don’t miss out (you will be disappointed if you do)!
Blessings,
Margaret
Executive Director, WCANZ
