On a whim I registered for a highly-regarded conference that will be held in Texas this summer.
The other day, amidst the snowy backdrop of our Midwestern countryside, I crunched numbers to see if I can actually afford the airfare and 3 night hotel stay that are necessary to attend this event. I considered how this conference can propel me professionally and how it will be a valuable opportunity to network with those in my field.
Here’s the problem: I was so focused on how this conference might benefit me that I had overlooked a much better motivation for attending.
Instead of being served I can serve others and be a source of encouragement to them. Instead of climbing the ladder faster I can go lower and even hold the ladder so that others can climb higher.
Giving of ourselves for the betterment of the team is more fulfilling than just being in it for ourselves.
Could it be that we are more effective leaders when we allow others to lean on us so they can become more successful?
When we think of the past and present “greats” we don’t often look behind, beside or beyond them, but my guess is they had a parent, spouse, co-worker or friend who helped them shine, succeed, and go further than they would have gone alone.Who can you propel or promote today?
Instead of waiting for the next big thing what if we become smaller to help someone else become bigger?
This reminds me of one of the biblical greats, John the Baptist, who said, “He [Jesus] must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30, NIV). John did great things but he chose to use his life to point to another that was greater than he.
Then there is the greatest of them all, Jesus. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45, NIV).
You have been entrusted with talents, gifts and abilities. Are you spending them on yourself or offering them to help others?
I am going to figure out a way to attend the conference this summer because I have found lasting motivation for attending.
I want to go hold the ladder for someone else so that they can climb higher. Sure I have lots of selfish ambitions left that need to be filtered through but as I lean that ladder up, so that someone else can reach new heights, I learn to lead well; following the example of a few greats that have gone before me.
Let’s work to make Jesus known by the way we treat those in our family, vocation, and community.
P.S. For more inspiration on reaching out to others and focusing on them head instead of ourselves, head on over to Crystal Stine’s blog for some valuable insights on the topic.
Such great encouragement, Katie, and a reminder of what community should look like. I am constantly reminded lately that it’s not about us . . . it’s all about Him. And He is all about serving others. (It’s such confirmation of my word SELFLESS.) God bless you, friend. xoxo
Thank you Beth. Yes, you are so right- ultimately we are to propel and promote Jesus. What a word for 2015, a beautiful word.
Katie, this is just perfect. I’m now over 50 and I’m finding so much joy in encouragement. I don’t need the limelight anymore. I don’t need the attention. I don’t need the praise. I get all the thrills I need from helping others. I wish I would have started many years ago!
Thank you so much for joining the High Calling Community with this post!
Thank you for the encouragement David. I must admit, It is easier to type these words than it is to live them out, but when we help others we find much joy.
Katie, great thoughts. I use the illustration that as I’m putting one hand out and up to those that go before me that I mentor me, I also have the other hand down looking for those that want to go with me on this trailblazing adventure.
As I have also heard, being prosperous is not how much we have, but how many more we can serve with what we have.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you Kevin, good reminder to be mentored and then in turn mentor others.
Katie, I just found your blog through the Intentional Blogging Challenge. What a blessing this is. It’s so easy to let the world revolve around me, forgetting that I was put on this earth to serve, not only the Creator, but others. Thanks for this gentle reminder.
Hi Vicki- Welcome to the blog, so glad you came over. I’m with you, so easy to get sidetracked with self and forget the bigger picture and greater joy of serving God by serving others.:)
I see you, NO, I feel you stoop to serve. Praising Him for this upside down way of living. Love to you.
Thank you for grace words Lee.:)
Katie, this is so good! Kingdom principles put into practice for writing and blogging. (Or whatever we do.) I’ve been praying lately, Lord, bring other writers alongside me that I can encourage, and this is a confirmation. Great link in to the High Calling’s topic. 🙂
You are indeed an encouragement Betsy. We are blessed by you.:)
Yes, yes, yes! I really love this and want this to become my own default. Thanks for encouraging in this way – it matters.
I want this to be my default too friend.:)
What a beautiful perspective, Katie! Getting to know you over the last year has been so inspiring. You truly are a cheerleader of the faith, and you have inspired me in more ways than one to hold the ladder for others. I’m excited for what the Lord has for you this year, both in facilitating others’ growth and in your own!
Thank you for these kinds words Asheritah. I filed it away in my “Encouragement” folder. I’m excited to see what’s in store too—here’s to birthing babies of the human and literary variety. 😉