Working professionals often expect Shepherd Leadership to make the most difference in their relationships with colleagues. This manager at an electrical engineering company had a different take away.
“I work hard,” the manager said to the group around his table. “Work is demanding. When I drive out of the parking lot and head home, I’m ready for some ‘me’ time.” He went on to explain his biggest take-away from our time together.
Examining what God’s Word says about shepherd leadership, he had a sudden revelation that he’s at risk for losing something hugely important in his life. “A good shepherd goes beyond just helping. The shepherd takes a posture of personal sacrifice to ensure that the other person in the relationship thrives.” He went on, “I have a teenage son at home. Nothing is more important than watching him grow up. I’m sad to say that when I’m trying to unwind at night, my son can’t even get my attention. I’m dropping the ball at home.”
The workshop asked everyone to write an action plan for how they would behave differently based on imitating godly shepherding behaviors throughout Scripture.
This husband and father said he will now walk in the door at home and ask his wife how he can help her. And he will ask his son what he’s working on so he can spend time with him.
“I might not offer to make dinner because my wife might take me up on it,” he joked. But he’s dead serious that he will no longer miss out on the chance to have heart-to-heart talks with the most important people in his life.
Time to de-stress is vital but he’ll do that another way… without being withdrawn and distant from his wife and son. Just think of how differently the next ten years will turn out for this 13-year old boy now. That’s an amazing realization and commitment after just a day and a half together!
