Leaders - Are we appreciative?

 

October, as we know, is appreciation month for leaders. But, are we as appreciative as we post on social media? I took some time to reflect on this question and the leaders that I have had in some form or fashion in my life, including those in the church. I’ve had teachers I did not like and bosses that I hated to see coming, but as I reflect on the lessons learned, I always come to the same conclusion… I am grateful for ALL of them! The one’s that tested my patience, the ones who in my mind I told them everything that I loved and nothing that Jesus loved. The ones that made life hard on the job and the ones that taught me everything they knew. The ones who jumped in and did any job, even the lowest one when they had the highest title. The ones who sat in a hospital with me for hours as I waited in the emergency room with my son. The ones who surprised me with things that I needed and opened their home to me and made me feel like one of their own. The ones who taught me the foundations of Jesus and tested my knowledge as a little girl. The ones who taught me how to praise God. The ones who taught me that God can do anything. The leaders that made me shed tears and the ones that made me smile and laugh.

The wonderful moments and the bad ones. I appreciate them all! I would not take a moment back. From some, I learned what to do and from some I learned what not to do. All had their place and none of them were perfect, but they were all good men and women in their respect. Today, I thank God for these leaders, especially every church leader, coach, and mentor that was instrumental in different points of my life. From childhood to college, from college to adulthood, from adulthood to adulthood-er (I know that’s not a word) and from adulthood-er until now. I've had and currently have outstanding leaders and if they were not in my life, I would not be the woman I am! I love them all, I honor them, and I bless them. I have not always felt this way when things didn’t go as I would have liked and have not always been as mature as I am now. But I wonder with all that I have to say about leaders, how good of a member, employee, or mentee have I always been? Have I always shown my appreciation? For leaders that are in our lives today, how can we show our appreciation to them by doing more than saying words and posting on social media? Can we be outstanding members, mentees, and employees to the best of our ability? Can we be that even to those that we hate to see coming? Something to ponder this October and every month.