Speaking Volumes, Yet No Is Listening

Keep Hanging On

Looking for a leadership style that touches me internally is vital in my JOYful journey. In this search I received a phone call from someone who wanted to change careers and heard about our inclusive unique programs.  Well, long story short, she asked to interview for a position and I informed her that we don't interview in the traditional sense of the word.  "You are welcome to come play and in that process we will both decide if we can work together as adults," 

After working together for a couple of years she moved and gave me one of her favorite books and the fun frisbee you see here. In that book she signed it, "Thank you for being an "Omega Leader". 

Can you say intimidated?! I did not see myself as a leader and I would not use the word 'Omega' to describe myself. A balanced leader who uses both the Alpha and Beta leadership styles? Well, I read that book, Jesus,CEO by Laurie Beth Jones, and loved what it said to me. Here I was looking for a leadership style and here He was right next to me since I was an infant, the ultimate loving leader.

Time passed and I was blessed to meet another wonderful person who helped me accept the fact that I am helping others even when I am merely doing what I do and doing what I love - all access, inclusive, loving play groups for all kids AND adults. After many conversations with my pastor around play she returned from a conference with Bishop Jim Hazelwood in which he sent the pastors away with the mandate, "Go Play."  I helped my pastor be more playful? Pastors help and lead their flock and this pastor was following my lead. 

Me, a father of three, caretaker for our grandfather, and husband to a woman who is busting her butt to undo some of the problems that happen to finances when your husband leaves his job to chase a dream. Me, Playmaker in the making, considered by some to be a Playful Leader. Who knew?

Do I love teaching about the value of playfulness? Yes. Do I love mentoring parents around playfulness? Yes. Do I love leading play groups with kids of all ages and abilities? Yes. Can I be a more playful father and husband? YES Do I struggle with my own playfulness? YES. Is it OK? YES.

Yet, since the beginning of time, as we know it, we are being encouraged to simply be more loving, playful, & JOYfilled.

St. Paul dropped an incredible little nugget right in the middle of his message to the Corinthians,

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I am by no means a theologian, priest, or pastor so please go to yours and analyze this passage. I like to take it at face value and use it as a beacon that highlights a simple directive,

'Live life more JOYfully.' 

As I beat the drum around the need to simplify, lead with love, and remain playful to live a JOYful life, I look back in time and realize that much more powerful leaders have come before me and the vibe is not being felt at the necessary levels for change. So, what do we do?

Keep throwing those rocks in the ocean of life and magnify the loving vibes that encourage others to lead life focused on JOY.

I leave you with the words from Leonard Sweet's book, The Well Played Life:

The Lord BE WITH YOU,

and also with you,

LET US PLAY!