I heard a story the other day of a man who was driving in the middle of a downpour. The rain came down in sheets and visibility was just terrible. The man was unsure if he should stop or keep going.
Suddenly he spotted a set of taillights ahead of him and decided he’d simply follow them. They seemed to be going in the right direction, and it was a big comfort to know there was another person on the same journey.
Well, he followed those taillights for what seemed like miles, until they suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The man sat there, his windshield wipers pushing water aside furiously, wondering if the car had encountered a problem or hit an animal. Then, instead of moving again, the car’s taillights disappeared.
Frustrated, the man began cursing to himself about the idiot in front of him who obviously didn’t care about those behind. About that time, someone knocked on the man’s car window.
He rolled the window down in the pouring rain to encounter a woman.
“What’s your problem?” the man asked.
“I was going to ask you the same thing,” she said.
“Well, I’m not the idiot who stopped in the middle of the road and turned off her lights,” the man snapped back.
“No,” the woman replied, “but you are the idiot who’s parked in my driveway.”
I thought that story was very humorous…and contained a great life lesson! What lesson is that? It’s the lesson of leading and following. Sometimes in order to be a great leader, you must be even a greater follower. Choosing the right person to follow, to mentor, and direct you life is of great value. If you choose to follow the wrong leader, you may end up in a place you didn’t want to be.
As a Pastor, Director, Coach, and father, I know that everything I do will be judged and held to high standards. As I lead, I MUST lead in a way that honors God, because I know there are others who depend on me doing the right thing and going the right direction. Therefore, who I follow matters!
We can also learn from this story that no one likes to journey alone in life. I’ll admit on a foggy morning or heavy rain I like seeing those taillights in front of me. Together we will hopefully end up at our destination safely.
This Father’s Day is going to be different for me…some of you have already traveled this stage of your journey. It’s going to be new for my brothers, sister, and me. Our mentor, my Dad is no longer in front of me leading the way. There have been days when I’ve wanted to call Dad and ask for his advice, or at least listen to me yak. He is not here anymore. So what do I do?
I read an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Well, my Dad isn’t hear and I’m tempted to go alone and get things done quickly. I’m learning that my Heavenly Father is asking me to slow down and allow Him to lead me, guide me, and journey with Him.
I’m thankful for other godly men in my life who are willing to listen, pray for me, and give me godly advice when needed. Just had coffee with one of those men this week…
I pray that you will do as I’m trying to do – seek God first as my Heavenly Father who loves me, journeys with me, and directs me in a way that honors Him. After all, I have three young men who may be following my taillights!
I hope and pray that you have a blessed week! God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
Suddenly he spotted a set of taillights ahead of him and decided he’d simply follow them. They seemed to be going in the right direction, and it was a big comfort to know there was another person on the same journey.
Well, he followed those taillights for what seemed like miles, until they suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The man sat there, his windshield wipers pushing water aside furiously, wondering if the car had encountered a problem or hit an animal. Then, instead of moving again, the car’s taillights disappeared.
Frustrated, the man began cursing to himself about the idiot in front of him who obviously didn’t care about those behind. About that time, someone knocked on the man’s car window.
He rolled the window down in the pouring rain to encounter a woman.
“What’s your problem?” the man asked.
“I was going to ask you the same thing,” she said.
“Well, I’m not the idiot who stopped in the middle of the road and turned off her lights,” the man snapped back.
“No,” the woman replied, “but you are the idiot who’s parked in my driveway.”
I thought that story was very humorous…and contained a great life lesson! What lesson is that? It’s the lesson of leading and following. Sometimes in order to be a great leader, you must be even a greater follower. Choosing the right person to follow, to mentor, and direct you life is of great value. If you choose to follow the wrong leader, you may end up in a place you didn’t want to be.
As a Pastor, Director, Coach, and father, I know that everything I do will be judged and held to high standards. As I lead, I MUST lead in a way that honors God, because I know there are others who depend on me doing the right thing and going the right direction. Therefore, who I follow matters!
We can also learn from this story that no one likes to journey alone in life. I’ll admit on a foggy morning or heavy rain I like seeing those taillights in front of me. Together we will hopefully end up at our destination safely.
This Father’s Day is going to be different for me…some of you have already traveled this stage of your journey. It’s going to be new for my brothers, sister, and me. Our mentor, my Dad is no longer in front of me leading the way. There have been days when I’ve wanted to call Dad and ask for his advice, or at least listen to me yak. He is not here anymore. So what do I do?
I read an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Well, my Dad isn’t hear and I’m tempted to go alone and get things done quickly. I’m learning that my Heavenly Father is asking me to slow down and allow Him to lead me, guide me, and journey with Him.
I’m thankful for other godly men in my life who are willing to listen, pray for me, and give me godly advice when needed. Just had coffee with one of those men this week…
I pray that you will do as I’m trying to do – seek God first as my Heavenly Father who loves me, journeys with me, and directs me in a way that honors Him. After all, I have three young men who may be following my taillights!
I hope and pray that you have a blessed week! God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
Pastor Rex