Lead by example?
Sometimes I find it pretty hard to do.
As a mom and wife, I’ve got a lot of responsibilities under my belt…a lot of irons in the fire, if you will. And even though it’s my job to model exemplary behavior to my children — even though I know that I need to shine the light of Jesus—sometimes I don’t. Sometimes the last thing I appear to be is a good example.
Yuck. That’s not too fun to admit. But it’s the truth. Sometimes the chaos of motherhood takes over. I feel it too, friends. I get overwhelmed, my patience grows non-existent, and the volume of my voice tends to increase by a notch (or maybe ten).
Me? A leader?
It’s not something I’m proud of either. In fact, most of the time I can’t help but wallow in guilt over the episodes I’ve had or the anger I’ve displayed. I feel horrible for the way I’ve acted, for the behavior I’ve shown, or the way I’ve opted to handle a particular situation.
Like when the piles of laundry take over and all I can see are Underoos, and mix-matched socks. Or when dinner has yet to be fixed and the deafening whines of my children are all a little too much to take. It’s in those moments where I have too much on my plate…too much going on that I fret over how to handle it. It’s in these said times I speak of, where I’m so discouraged…so frustrated, and in need of a break from it all.
It’s in these same moments where a leader is the last thing I look like.
What a TRUE leader looks like
However, this whole “lead by example” thing doesn’t mean our efforts are going to be perfect. It doesn’t mean we won’t fail in our attempts from time to time either.
Being a true leader? It’s showing raw emotion. It’s being real…authentic…genuine. It’s apologizing when we mess up, it’s asking for grace for our transgressions, it’s praying for the patience we know we need, and it can be found in our obedience to God. It’s all these things and so much more.
Want my advice? Lead by example the best way you know how and ask God for His hand in all of it. Ultimately, it’s Him we’re trying to glorify. It’s Him we’re trying to model ourselves after. Just do your best, mama and let God handle the rest…
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (ESV)
Written by Jenny Lee Sulpizio
