As I look back at 2013, I am reminded of events that took place. Some good. Some…… challenging. But, anyone reading this post would know: no life is free from challenges. Most of us have felt exhilaration, fear, joy, grief, loneliness, contentment, and so much more. However, unlike the picture at the top, not all things that take place in 2013 stay there. Many things will carry over into 2014, even if we prefer to walk away from them. AND… unlike the picture, not all things are to be trashed.
One such event was Christmas, 2013.
CHRISTMAS
Ah, Christmas. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” as the song goes. Or is it? To many people it is a time of depression, loneliness, frustration, anger, or who knows what else. To others, it is a time for joy, happiness, fun, etc.
For many years my family celebrated Christmas with some traditions, including actually spending time with other relatives (like a Christmas dinner and exchanging gifts). Over time, people moved away and celebrated with their new families. So, some time ago, I took a different approach: open house for family. Anyone that wanted to stop by on Christmas could do so. And they even got a couple of gifts: home-made cookies (pre-packaged, of course) and a family wall calender. Open house was nice. And I think all enjoyed it. But Christmas 2013 was special.
Once again, there is nothing like family. 2013, open house was loud at times, energetic, messy, and so much more. And we loved it. With three active boys (2 at 5 years-old and 1 at 3 years-old) and 8 adults, there was much going on. Maybe not as big of a gathering as some of you have experienced, but that’s okay. Everyone happened to show up at the same time for open house, so it was a busy house. I would not want it any other way. I would have enjoyed seeing other family members, but that was not to be. However, I enjoyed the time I had with those who came.
NOT TO BE LEFT BEHIND
It is events like this that happened in 2013 that does not need to stay in 2013. Move that into 2014. It is a great memory. But, what can we learn from this?
- Good leaders love relationships. Family, friends, relatives, etc. A good leader will appreciate the time invested in those relationships. The question is: Do YOU enjoy relationships?
- Good leaders will do what they can to make those relationships successful. Yes, they need to work at it. Time, patience, wisdom, forgiveness, prayer, work (effort), and love. Those are just some of the qualities needed to make them successful.
- Good leaders will rely on a superior source on a daily basis – for there one can obtain that wisdom, forgiveness, patience, and more. I am a man of faith. So, my source – for me – is God. I can’t imagine not having Him in my life to lean on, to pray to, to have my hope in Him.
What about you? Do you enjoy relationships? What are you doing to make those work? What is your daily source of power? I welcome your comments.