I'm glad I was never picked to lead.
I was never a Team leader on the Race. Or a squad leader for that matter.
At first I thought I wanted it. Maybe even felt entitled to it since let's be honest, America manufactures entitlement faster than Gerber processes baby food.
But alas I wasn't part of the leadership team that comprised my squad.
And it blew up my pride.
And made me insecure.
I wondered why I wasn't good enough.
Pondered what I lacked or what made me so bad.
But then something funny kinda happened.
The guy who got picked to be a leader month three told me if I was disappointed in not getting tapped for a position then perhaps it was for the best that I stayed out of leadership.
Boy.
Did that burn.
If I hadn't had such a crush on the guy I probably would've tried to push him off the curb he was standing on. But instead, I smiled shyly and tried to peel my humiliation off the asphalt so I could get my sorry self back to our sketchy hostel.
In that conversation, something happened.
I got over myself.
There were many times that year that getting over myself was quite necessary but that was definitely a defining moment.
Because my heart changed and I stopped trying to out do myself.
I stopped trying to make whoever, see I was qualified to be a leader.
And instead I started being a team player.
I started serving and even started cleaning up after myself. I started participating as a member of my community rather than trying to be an all-star trying to get coach to notice me.
And it made all the difference.
I relaxed and dove into life.
I reveled in the small things and loved details I'd missed in the years leading up to the Race.
Sometimes the best thing in the world is getting humbled on your face and made to realize your not all that.
Yep, I'm important because I'm a child of God. But God doesn't need human pride to make something.
He needs a heart that's moldable, pliable and teachable.
Not one set in her ways. Unwilling to change.
So not leading taught me what true leadership means.
It's leading by example. On your knees in front of Jesus. In desperation asking Him for strength and wisdom and guidance. Serving, loving and leading where God is leading you.
Following Jesus first and praying that through that example, it inspires someone else.
It hurt so good to learn that.
So thank you Lord for the lessons, the growing up I needed to do and for being God.
Your so good.
So if your on the race right now and not leading…what are you doing to contribute to your community?
Are you supporting and loving your leader well? Loving and encouraging your leader is key. Do it.
If you're at home…how do you serve your people well?
