April 25, 2021
In his book mentioned last week, Gordon MacDonald highlights how resilient people must have good relationships. Life is not a solo act.
People line the route of a marathon race. Some are cheering. Some are providing water for the racers. And the participants spur each other on by being in the race together.
In the race of life, I have needed all kinds of support from other people. They have listened, prayed, counseled, given, laughed, inspired, and loved.
One of my favorite poems about this is by William Ayot, in his book: Email from the Soul: New and Selected Leadership Poems (used with permission of the author).
The Contract: a word from the led
And in the end we follow them –
Not because we are paid,
Not because we might see some advantage,
Not because of the things they have accomplished,
Not even because of the dreams they dream
But simply because of who they are:
The man, the woman, the leader, the boss
Standing up there when the wave hits the rock,
Passing out faith and confidence like life jackets,
Knowing the currents, holding the doubts,
Imagining the delights and terrors of every landfall;
Captain, pirate, and parent by turns,
The bearer of our countless hopes and expectations.
We give them our trust. We give them our effort.
What we ask in return is that they stay true.
