Lux et Veritas

 

Light discipline.  I learned a lot about it during my Army training.  You can see the soft glow of a cigarette, a small map light or a candle hundreds of meters away in the woods.  We learned to be aware of light and who could see it.

 

So, how bright is your light?  Who is it shining on? 

 

Authentic leaders glow.  They illuminate places well into the distance sometimes unaware of their reach.  Over the past few weeks I have witnessed the extraordinary impact of Marlowe and Sherida ( www.mylesandjrfootballcamp.com ), Tera (www.janusyouth.org ), Ronnie (www.veronikanoize.com ), Anthony (www.sharethewealthu.org ) Cindy (www.spectrumpacific.com ) and Sue (www.wolfeboronh.us )….selfless leaders lighting paths for others….quietly, authentically, wholly.  If you read Mitch Albom’s book The Five People You Meet in Heaven , you would look at Marlowe, Sherida, Tera, Ronnie, Anthony, Cindy and Sue and say: “wow, these folks are angels here on earth.”  Indeed they are. 

 

Bright leaders make a difference.  They remember  the non-athlete kid’s name who participates religiously in town rec programs.  They reroute a successful company president’s thinking enough for her to state: “thank you for helping me see my possibility.”   They spark hope in a struggling family using soil, tomato plants and water.  They teach critical life skills on a handmade football field.  Plato said: “those who have torches pass then on.”  Indeed they do.

 

What makes you shine brighter?  You are left.  You leave.  The world shifts.  Unexpected change takes hold, however briefly.  You step up and through.  You see the world through different eyes.  Light carries and more people are struck by your light.  People  see what is possible for them.  People are engaged in creating an incredible future.  Indeed they are.

 

You are a torch in this world.  There are kids and shift leaders and presidents and single parents and line team members that stand in their own darkness.  How can you shine a light on their truth?  How can you illuminate another few meters out today?  Step into the light and share one bold step you can take to crank up the wattage around you, Leader.  Your comments can illuminate many.

 

p.s. thank you, alma mater (lux et veritas), for helping me see my possibility