Day 3,051

Growth:

Re-reading Ender’s Game continues to pay off huge leadership dividends! As I read more today I was struck by how many insightful leadership lessons can be pulled away from this book. For sure, it is a fiction, but there are some concepts which are easier to grasp specifically when they are in the vacuum of fiction. Today’s points focused on helping someone to struggle in the purpose of growth and help them become stronger, sharing everything openly – even with competition, remembering and acting towards the true purpose rather than a petty goal, and the importance of building trust as a leader. So many nuggets from this awesomely entertaining book!

Appreciation:

When we went to Mom’s church this morning they shared a prayer I’d never heard. It was written by one of my favorite spiritual leaders, Thomas Merton, but somehow I’d never heard this specific prayer before. Rather than analyze and add my voice to it, I’ll share it in its entirety and allow you to enjoy. 

The Merton Prayer

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,

though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude

Presence:

This evening I knocked out a bunch of tasks on my seemingly never ending list and the sense of accomplishment felt wonderful. What made it all the more enjoyable was happening to stumble upon some new music to set the mood and and provide the right ambiance. ILLENIUM & Skylar Grey’s song – From the Ashes started things off and then I went down the rabbit hole from there. What I was thankful for was the perfect music to keep my brain focused on the tasks at hand while also brightening my efforts.

Thanks!!!