Take The Quiet Road

The Story

I’ve been driving my daughters to their care sitter most mornings lately, finally gaining an understanding and appreciation for what my wife has done for nearly 4 years. My 4 year old, who has developed a certain morning routine, asks me every day whether I’ll be taking the “noisy” road or the “quiet” road. She has come to the conclusion that the interstate is a noisy road, where the route through town is the quiet road. In fact, she has come to prefer one route over the other. Can you guess which one?

The other week I was running a bit late, and announced my decision to take the “noisy” road because it was a slightly faster route. My daughter immediately spoke up and stated “I don’t hike (her mispronunciation of “like”) the noisy road, daddy!” I explained that we were running late and we needed to take it. While I was giving my explanation, I inadvertently drove right on past the on ramp, to which my daughter enthusiastically laughed and proclaimed “Daddy, you missed the noisy road!” My daughter got her wish in the end: Driving on the quiet road.

The Take Home
Besides being a cute story about my wonderful daughter, what does this have to do with anything? Well, I got to thinking about the noisy road and the quiet road, and realized that there is a lot of parallel between why my daughter prefers the quiet road, and life in general. Think about it a minute. My daughter enjoys the quiet road because she can sit back in peace and enjoy the slower ride while gazing out the window at the beautiful surroundings. She can think. The noisy road, on the other hand, is hectic. The view is of a cement barricade and a grassy hill speeding by the window at an extreme pace that the eyes don’t want to keep up with. It’s overwhelming to a toddler/preschooler. Heck, it can be overwhelming for the adult driver as well.

So, let’s think about our adult lives. Which road would you rather be on? I’m sure if you are like me, most of you are on the superhighway, going fast, staying busy, and becoming overwhelmed. In fact, I’m sure you’re thriving on it. I know that’s where I’ve been for the last several months (since my last post in October of 2008). That’s the world we live in these days. If we’re not busy, then we’re lazy! Well, I’d like to drop kick that thought off the field. I’d challenge each and every one of you to take a step back; to take the next exit off I-80/35 and find yourself a “quiet” rode, where you can slow down, find peace, and enjoy your surroundings! We all need to be lazy at some point just so we can recover from our normal pace!

Have a great week!

The Fruit of Leadership

Galatians 5:22-23 : 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law

Aren't these two great verses to live by? In fact, can't we translate it another way to say "But the fruit of 'Leadership' is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control."? Think about it a moment.......Don't leaders need to possess these traits, and then instil them into their followers? Shouldn't leaders bring love and joy to their work; and peace and goodness to their lives? Shouldn't leaders be patient, leading with kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control? I sure think so!! But, I'm only one opinion! I'd like your thoughts!

Where do you excel? What are your strengths? Where do you need some work? What are your weaknesses? For me, I think joy, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness are all strengths of mine. But, I can tell you I sure need to work on my patience and self control! What about you? What seeds do you need to sow? What fruit do you need to bear?

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