December 30. A Disappearing Trick.

As a leader, there will be times that you will probably see people running from problems, the truth, or even responsibilities. Running from these issues is sometimes done out of fear. I think that we all likely do it, even leaders.

We might think that running from issues is a sign of a lack of resolve, weakness or it could carry a negative connotation. Running away from the problems does not resolve them. But it could be that we can always look for the positive.

Even in the worst of conditions it is possible that a positive might exist. When disaster strikes your team, does your compassion step up? I would think that is a positive. When destruction happens to others do you send some sort of relief? If so, I believe that is something positive as well.

There is always the possibility of something positive but many times we can get bogged down. Where might you be carrying a negative connotation about some run-away event? It just might be time for a perception check and that is where someone else can share a positive perspective.

All we need to do is to be curious and look for it. It can start by asking someone to look for it on your team. Who is the someone on your team that you go to for a positive perspective? Maybe you can add a few other collaborators to bring a positive focus to some conditions that need improvement.

What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days?

As a person of faith, have you ever noticed people who have disappeared from your worship center, church, or group? Sometimes people just do a little magic trip and poof they are gone. It could be that they are running away because of something that they have done. But those that are left can notice the absence.

When you do notice an absence, you have a license issued by Christ, to take note and to change yourself. We read, “Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once!

The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.” Jonah 1:15-16 NLT. This passage shares about the sailors who did not know of our God. When they threw Jonah overboard, they were changed.

It is Jonah who is doing the running here and avoiding God, but his actions brought these idol worshippers into relationships with the one true God. We can miss many opportunities in this world because we are looking out for ourselves. Where have you missed an opportunity this year?

Maybe it is not too late to do something about it. There are a couple of days left. The short time frame might best be served if you could collaborate with others on it. Who is the one person, regardless of their position in life, their profession, or where they live, that you would trust to have a conversation with?

What is the first thing that you can do about it? It is time to get it done.

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, you are the knower of the unknown and the seer of the unseen. Open our eyes so that we might see the opportunities to bring others to a relationship with you. Find us when we run away and show us your compassion.

Search for us in the depths of our fears when we feel that we are being crushed by the pounding waves of this world. Make your Son and our Savior shine the light to brighten our paths. Place our hands together with those that are lost instead of gripping our own hands in fear.

Move us in action. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,

Mark Queen

Founder at Core Score, LLC.

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