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A Mother was having a hard time getting her son to go to school in the morning.
"Nobody in school likes me," he complained.
"The teachers don't like me, the kids don't like me, the
superintendent wants to transfer me, the bus drivers hate me, the school board wants me to drop out, and the custodians have it in for me. I just don't want to go to school."
"But, John, you have to go to school," said his mother sternly. "You're healthy, you have a lot to learn, you have something to offer others, you are a leader.
And besides, you're 40 years old and YOU ARE THE PRINCIPAL."
Have you ever felt like the principal in the above joke?
Mothers?
Bosses?
Husbands?
Even Pastors?
You are in charge; yet, the charges that you are in charge of
can be a real challenge.
Leadership always has its price. It's full of rewards, but the price can be heavy.
Everyone expects you to boost them, but who boosts you?
I was in the church one day.
I was alone (at least no other person was there).
The day had been hectic and the responsibilities great. I stood in the sanctuary and asked God, "Why do I have to do so much?"
I had the burdens of the church, the burdens of two businesses, and a family to deal with. Plus, I had my own stuff. Everyone has their own stuff in addition to other's stuff. Your own stuff hides in the corners of your mind just waiting for an opportunity to jump forth.
Your own stuff is enough to deal with by itself.
Do you remember seeing the pictures of Atlas? He is the Greek titan with the world on his shoulders. That's what it feels like sometimes. I'm sure you know the feeling.
I stood as the echoes of my voice slowly faded. "Why did I have to do so much?"
I clearly heard God breathe a soft answer into my spirit,
but it wasn't complete. It was half of a sentence and half of a statement.
"to whom much is given. . ."
That was my answer, "to whom much is given. . ."
There is a quote that goes "you can judge a man by whether he will ask for a light load or a strong back."
It's the principle of the principal.
"to whom much is given. . .
. . . much is required."
~A MountainWings Original (except for the principal joke)~