#10 Self-care

I had a friend named Johnny.  He was a great youth pastor and made sure that he sacrificed for his students.  The problem with this was he never really care for himself or his family.  He would often spend long hours at the church and sometimes fall asleep there.  He gained a lot of weight and you could tell he didn't take care of himself.  He then would go and hangout with the youth outside of youth group.  He would go to every event and it wore on him.  You could see it in his sermons and in his face.  He was tiered and burnt out.  He eventually resigned from his position so he could spend time with his family.
My other friend Larry exhibited great self care and it really showed.  He made sure that his job didn't interfere with his family.  He and his wife sacrificed a lot for the youth group but they made sure they had time with each other.  He spent his time at the church, in meetings, with youth, but he always made sure he had time at home.  The youth group flourished and it grew from about 30 teens to 120 in about 3 years.
What I learned from this is that even though teaching and preaching may be what you are called to do but make sure you separate your time at the church and your time at home.  You need to relax and if you have a wife and a family, make sure that they are taken care of too.  Do not neglect them because you have committed to them too. 

#9 Change in View of Leadership

My idea of leadership when I was in elementary school was of my teachers, parents, and my neighbors. They were leaders in my life only because of position and age.  If they were older than me and in a position of respect then that is why they were leaders.  My parents were really the only leaders at that time where it was because they led by example.  They taught me to serve others and live with integrity.  My parents were my coaches and cheerleaders.  They were involved in everything I did.  That is what I respected the most.
Now my leadership views have changed from position and age to what my parents were teaching me all along.  It is about servanthood and integrity.  If you hold those things true, you cannot help but be a natural leader.  The reason that this has stayed my view is through the church and my parents.  My pastors and parents have represented this in everything.  I have seen how it has affected others and how it really is an effective way to lead.  They don't force leadership, they exemplify it.