It was the end of training camp. I had so many emotions rolling around inside of me, but the one that I was able to identify was relief. Relief of what? The fact that I hadn’t been selected for any of the leadership positions, for my team or the squad. I had just spent the last 3 ½ years being a leader with many responsibilities and pressures, and I was ready for a break. Finally, I thought, I can just be responsible for myself and not anyone else. Even as I write it, I’m struck by how selfish (not to mention totally irrational) that was.
I am not just “me”…I am a part of a team of seven women, and we call ourselves Radiate. And with this little community comes responsibility.
Because we’re a team, it’s not just my problem if I’m just running a couple minutes late.
Because we’re a team, I’m responsible for calling them higher, and being receptive when they do so for me as well.
Because we’re a team, dishes are rarely just a small task.
Because we’re a team, I cannot just plan for my own shower time, because there’s 6 others who I have to plan around.
Because we’re a team, I have a job to do. And that job entails much more than me just taking care of myself. God is showing me the leadership roles He’s calling me into, even though I don’t have a specific title. In fact, many of these roles couldn’t be mine if I did.
But in all of these responsibilities comes multiple blessings.
Because we’re a team, I’m never at a risk to be isolated (unless I choose to do so to myself).
Because we’re a team, my shortcomings aren’t so evident to those I’m ministering to, because we fill in each-other’s gaps.
Because we’re a team, the responsibility of ministry is shared.
Because we’re a team, I never have to carry the weight of sadness or homesickness alone.
Because we’re a team, those dishes don’t always have to be washed by the same person.
Because we’re a team, our wardrobes are automatically expanded ?
Because we’re a team, I’m daily given the opportunity to grow.
Because we’re a team, I have accountability partners at my fingertips at all times.
Because we’re a team, I can courageously step out, knowing that if I fall, I won’t fall alone.
And Because we’re a team, we can love those around us so much better than if it was just me.
Leadership isn’t in the title you do or don’t hold. It simply comes with the territory of community. It’s already been extremely challenging and exhausting, but it’s also immensely rewarding and energizing.
I challenge you to step into the leadership role(s) God is calling you into, even if there’s no specific title involved. Many blessings await!
