I am a huge figure skating fan. When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming the next Kristi Yamaguchi and Michelle Kwan. I took lessons, but I realized that I’m much more comfortable when the ice was melted, and so I became a swimmer instead.
Even though my dream of skating in the Winter Olympics was dead, I continued following the sport. I’ve witnessed rule changes, the evolution of quadruple jumps, and the increase in triple axles in the lady’s competition (and I’m actually able to tell the different jumps apart). But besides the impressive jumps, elaborate step sequences, and gorgeous spins, I really enjoy how the skaters’ coaches support them during their programs. I notice how they sway their bodies to the rhythm of the music. They start crouching down as the skater prepares for the next jump. They straighten up and jump in celebration as that element is executed.
Just look at this compilation of Brian Orser watching Yuzuru Hanyu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOQpa9opnME) or Eteri Tutberidze, et al watching Alina Zagitova (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmktGJGDjm8).
The coaches are participating in the program alongside their skaters. They see themselves in their skaters. With every movement and element, the coaches are actively in it with them.
This is what SERVANT LEADERSHIP is all about.
I used to think leadership was about telling people what to do. I thought of hierarchy and having complete power over others. I used to think that leadership was strictly business.
But effective leaders have the perspective of a servant. They work with zeal and empathy.
When the skaters’ coaches engage in their programs with them, they have a better idea of where they are at, where they need to improve, and how they can serve them effectively.
When I think of servant leadership, I immediately think of the Last Supper and the act of Jesus washing the Apostles’ feet. From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus walked with the Apostles as he led them to holiness and showed them how to teach others. Jesus knows where their feet have been and even though He was their leader, Jesus still meets them where they’re at and washes their feet.
I’m reminded of the time I have spent serving at Bethlehem Farm. After a long week of tending the gardens, taking care of the animals, and going off site to serve others with hard labor, we end each week with a foot washing led by the Summer Servants. One of my favorite things about BFarm is the beautiful and unique community that you are instantly invited into. After each day, we share a meal and share our stories. We begin and end our days by sharing our prayer.
By sharing ourselves with each other, we know where our feet have walked, and we are able to serve each other while leading each other closer to Christ. What I discovered is that it’s much easier and more joyful to lead others if we serve them as well.
I take this perspective with me as I continue to serve others and continue Jesus’s mission. In my Bible Study, my co-leader and I always decide to start with Joy, Junk, Jesus, where everyone shares a moment of joy, junk, and Jesus of their week. By doing this, we get to know each other and learn a little bit more about where we are in our faith journeys. When we know what brings us joy, sorrow, and faith, our conversation centered on the Word of God becomes much more fruitful and relevant to how we are called to be holy. With this simple ice breaker, we are able to walk with each other to become Saints.
I take this perspective into my relationships. Every time I hear “The Servant Song” I immediately think of the times my friends have served me and what it means for me to serve them.
Every lyric speaks of sharing life together, but the end goal every time is centered on Christ – seeing the journey through to heaven, being Christ to one another, knowing Christ’s love for us. I can’t count all of the times that my friends have helped me grow as a daughter of the Lord. Just the other day at Mass, the Communion hymn was this very song (and I bet you can imagine that my jaw dropped as I was working on this blog just prior to Mass). I felt so much immense love as I was surrounded by some of my best friends and sharing in the Christ’s sacrificial love by partaking in the Eucharist together. The past couple weeks have been a time of hurt and slow healing for me, but celebrating the Mass together was just another testament to the importance of serving one another always, especially in times of suffering.
These friends of mine embody the lyrics “I will share your joy and sorrow till we’ve seen this journey through.” They are servants to me, but they are also leaders as they walk with me and wash my feet so they are able to walk to heaven.
I invite you to rethink your perspective on leadership and incorporate the idea of servant leadership in every relationship you have.
Join me as I “pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too.”
टिप्पणियां