Grace. And leadership. Wow, great teaching time? Fabulous presentation? Timely devotional? Nope.
I got to leave the retreat to attend my daughter’s 6th grade choir concert. Lilly told us about the concert last night (oops, sorry.) Kim had already planned a meeting at our house, and I was scheduled to be away Tues-Wed on a staff retreat.
But I got to hear a magnificent 6th grade band and chorus concert. I get to sleep in my own bed, next to my beautiful wife. I was supposed to bunk with Jeremiah, who (if he sleeps like he eats) probably snores like thunder.
Now don’t get me wrong. The staff is not suffering on their retreat. We’re out at Camp Woodward, staying in the lodge. The meeting area walls are covered with photos signed by the world’s leading X-Games competitors and Olympic gymnasts. It’s the place the first X-Games was held. I took a little walk today and saw a crew building some new dirt ramps. The place is magnificent.
But I wasn’t supposed to come home. Dan wanted me to lead the staff in a time of worship this evening. There was some scheduled hot-tub bonding time to follow. I wanted to be there. It’s an important staff retreat. We’re talking about things that will shape the future of Calvary.
So when I mentioned that Lilly had a concert tonight, and the fact that Kim couldn’t go, Dan didn’t even blink. He said, “Go.” No anger. No disappointment. No passive-aggressive, guilt-laden manipulation.
When Dan talks about Calvary being a place of grace, he puts his money where his mouth is. I can say the same things that he says, but I’m not sure that my actions always back up what I say when it comes to being someone who leads from a place of grace.
But I want to be. And that’s a good place to start.
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