Have the big ideas felt more elusive? The moments of clarity less frequent? The alarm clock extra piercing in the morning?
These are symptoms of weariness – often the plight of the leader, but even more so these days as businesses are in transition, the workforce is in chaos and focus is ever harder to find.
In these moments where you have given all you have to give, both mentally and emotionally, how will you provide a safe haven for the employees in your organization? How will you summon the strategic vision to chart the path to the future when you barely have enough in your tank to make it to tomorrow?
The answer may lie in the question. Consider this story: In 1 Kings 17, the Lord tells Elijah to go into the town of Zarephath where a widow would provide food for him. Israel was in the midst of a severe drought and food was scarce. Despite having only enough flour and oil for one last loaf before she and her son faced starvation, the widow agreed to share with Elijah, and he promised the flour and oil would not run out until the rain returned to the land. Every day she would be given what she needed.
It's the same message we see the Lord give the Israelites in the desert after their rescue from captivity: Every day he sent the manna and quail they needed to sustain themselves. And every day they had the opportunity to be grateful.
Leaders, accept the provision you are given today. It is our temptation to always focus on tomorrow – to look ahead, anticipate obstacles, and find greener pastures. And while tomorrow is important, you'll never get there if your wick has burned too low. Don't lose sight of the grace you are given today in your pursuit of tomorrow.
How can you do this? Here are three suggestions:
First, embark on a journey of gratitude. What better time to begin than this post-Thanksgiving season as we await Christmas? How many of us took our children and grandchildren through the ritual of stating what we're thankful for as we sat around the dinner table? Resurrect the tradition for yourself! Take a deep breath, lean back, and reflect on the many blessings you have been given with a grateful heart.
Second, redefine the term essential at work. We use it liberally in the business world, but we don't need to. Reprioritize the initiatives deserving of your focus and delegate the others to your existing leadership team and to emerging leaders who are looking for an opportunity to grow.
Third, ask for help. Find a community of people who understand your journey. The road you walk as a leader may feel lonely, but there are numerous others who understand and can offer solidarity and insight. This, after all, is the purpose of Convene: To care for leaders' souls as they live lives of influence.
May this Christmas season offer you many moments of peace and fulfillment as you are reminded of the daily and sustaining grace of Christ.