“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” - Proverbs 22:6
John Maxwell says that leadership is influence, nothing more nothing less. If this statement is true, I’ve found myself failing miserably during lockdown.
The other day I was playing outside with my two kids and I was watching Levi, my 3-year-old son, playing with dirt. The amount of joy this brought him was beautiful to observe. Then he walked over to the small olive tree I gave my wife for her birthday a few years ago, he grabbed two handfuls of potting soil, glanced over at me with his big blue eyes and smiled.
I knew, instinctively, that this little guy was about to throw the dirt, which now looked like black ink, into my crystal clear jacuzzi.
I said “Levi, what are you doing?” He replied “Nothing, Dad!”. He then walked up to the hot tub and emptied one hand into the pool of water.
I recall saying: “STOP! Don’t do it, Levi! STOP!”
Every attempt at stopping him from muddying the water failed miserably. I was completely unable to influence him. I suddenly realised how often my kids simply do the opposite of what I “commanded” them to do. I started telling myself that I was failing as a father and a leader.
Then I had an epiphany.
A three-year-old boy throwing sand in the pool isn’t the end of the world! It’s safe to say that he doesn’t “get it” yet. My role as their Dad is to lead them into their future. I must have the future in mind: what kind of people do I want them to be one day?
When this vision became crystal clear in my head, I made a list. I want my kids to discover their God given purpose; I want them to be leaders who positively change the world; I want them to add value to others; I want them to be strong and independent. Ultimately, I want them to be like Christ, and I have the rest of my life to lead and influence them.
At the end of the day the lesson learned: Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Do you have any failures that make you feel like you are unworthy or unqualified?
What vision do you have for your future and your family’s future?
Do you have steps in place to achieve this vision? (Remember vision without action is just a dream)
Let's pray together. "Thank you, God, that You are always redeeming and calling us into the destiny that You have prepared for us. Help us to let go of the small insecurities, grudges and hinderances that are holding us back from Your vision for our lives. We seek Your will and Your way above all else. Lord, keep us in step with You. Amen"