Where Are You?

When I think about what is happening in the world today, I am reminded of the few words that begin the book, “A Tale of Two Cities” … “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”

What this says to me is it is not where we start but how we finish. Maybe my comparison or interpretation of this is incorrect, but the way I understand it, God gives every one of us a good – enough start to be able to finish well. It’s up to us to see to our character and build trust with others so that God can use us as leaders in our homes, communities, and organizations to make a difference and add value. We have this responsibility to follow in His footsteps and not be so mesmerized and controlled by what the world offers us. After all, He gave us a written life plan in a book, that’s printed in black, white and red and is the only book that comes with the author; we just need to follow it, simple enough.

A close friend, a brother; really, sent a message, just this morning. Three simple sentences with a powerful meaning; 1. It is a rare man who finishes strong; 2. It is an excellent man who finishes strong; 3. It is a teachable man who finishes strong. All I can say is message received, loud and clear. Our character and integrity should coincide with each of these statements and at the same time, our walk-through life should reflect our rare strength, our excellence, and our teachability so brightly that others can see the path on which to follow. I read recently, if more people would follow the narrow path through life, it would be much wider and easier to follow. Just saying… 

In the best of times and in the worst of times, as leaders, we have a responsibility to provide instruction just as Jesus instructed His disciples on how to pray. Our family, our followers, those who watch us from afar are directly affected by our actions and reactions to good and bad things that past though our lives. As leaders, we must set the example for everyone else, in other words, we are to be the model. We must provide for others in some form or fashion, ensuring they have the resources they need. It could be teaching someone a new skill, helping others to find their way, praying with others or as simple as loving one another unconditionally.

We need to keep them from harm’s way and make them feel safe and secure. There are many ways to do this but just being in there for someone, listening, being kind, sharing our faith, joy, hope, and love is a mighty powerful tool with helping others feel safe and secure. We must remember that prayer and praying with and for our family, our followers, those who watch us from afar and the leaders of our country and world to reach their potential and become all God intends us and them to be is one of the most important gifts we offer. 

On a lighter note, recently, we were visiting our son, his wife and our grandchildren. Our granddaughter crawled into my lap to reach the sunglasses I had perched on my head when the slipped down in place over my eyes. She began to look around then said, “Pa Pa, where did you go too?” I responded, “Sweetheart, I am right here, holding you.” “I can’t see you.”, she said. Then I removed my sunglasses, “There you are, Pa Pa!” As I pondered this scene, I realized she could not see my eyes so, therefore, she couldn’t see me, the real me. She didn’t just want to see my big body and face, she wanted me looking into her eyes to let her know I was watching and really listening to her. Watching and listening with my eyes let her know I was focusing on her and her alone, watching out for her safety and security and being a resource that provides unconditional love for her and her family.

Now, I don’t think at 2 years young she thought through all of this as I have written it, but I do believe she understands we love her and will do anything to protect all of them, just as God does for us.

I encourage all of us as leaders and followers to be in prayer for our world to be healed and made whole once again. It is my hope and prayer that this message finds each of you in good health. I read that Jesus’s work would have failed unless His followers had taken what He gave them and reproduced it in the lives of others. He trusted the future of his organization, the church, to take His message forward into the world. Let us reproduce Him in our lives and be the change we want to see in the world, it will make a difference and add value to us and all those who surround us. Luke 24:46-49

Have a wonderful day and be safe,

James Dodwell