I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
(Psalm 32:8-9)
Oh, that I would be wiser than a mule! Let me learn this for my children as well. That the authority of the eye is far more powerful than all my angry spurs or impatient tugging. I don’t want to leave a bitter taste in their mouths.
To lead with a look – this requires trust. This requires patience. This requires relationship. Shortcuts only shortchange us all.
This is leadership by invitation, by inspiration. This is watchful, forward looking leadership. This is not reacting, threatening, or cajoling. This is a calm, composed authority.
~
Oh Lord,
I have so much to learn.
Forgive me for going astray, for wandering out the range of your whispers. Forgive me for turning my head aside to distraction.
You call me to come near, to submit to your reign. And yet your yoke is easy and your burden is light, when I keep in step with you.
You call me to refocus in your field of vision.
You set my feet on your path once again.
You say, Stop fighting, stop fuming, stop figuring it out on your own.
I know the way.
I am the way.
I will lead you, and your children.
You will learn from me.
Tender shepherd, you promise to lead us. Not by pushing and shoving, not by threatening and bribing, not by brute force.
But by trust. By gentleness. By your voice.
By your eye.
A look is all it takes.
Lord, keep our eyes on you!
~ lg
S.D.G.
