Our new MOPS year started today (Mothers of Preschoolers). I'm really glad. It's been a fun summer, but I'm ready for some stimulation--mental challenges and good conversations with other adults. This is the longest I've ever gone without being in school, and my brain feels a bit mushy. Somehow it's hard to get disciplined to do the study that I want to do without getting graded on it. This year I'm a discussion group leader. I'm really excited because it's been a while since I've been involved in ministry. I was feeling a little insecure about my leadership style while we were there, however. My job is to make each person feel connected and cared for, and to make sure there is plenty of discussion. I can be a talker, but I really wanted the group to take on a life of its own while I subtly interjected conversation topics. At the end, people were asking, "Who is our leader anyway?" I think that's the way it's supposed to be, but I suddenly felt like all the other super-extroverts were probably better leaders, etc.
While we were sharing our "adventures in mothering," I learned of one mom who was diagnosed with a brain tumor this summer and is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation with kids who are 5, 3, and 2. Another mom is fighting the potty-training battle with a strong-willed child. We are all moms going through life together, and I get to be in a position to care for and minister to these women. I have to trust that God gave wisdom to the committee who "invited" me to take on this role. They knew me before they asked me to do it. I'm really excited to get to know and love on these women. Strangely enough, I felt encouraged on the way home while we were listening to The Little Mermaid soundtrack. The song, "You Got to be You" was on, and I'm reminded that Stingrays got to sting, flounder got to play, I've got to lead with my own style...I got to be me...
When I was but a schoolboy I dreamed I would grow tall
And man, it made me crabby That a crab could be so small
With this I tell my teacher She say, "But don't you see?
Each and every creature Is exactly how they should be"
She said we all are special
From jellyfish to king
We all do different things
And with that she start to sing
You got to be you
I got to be me
It's simple but true
What else could you do
Who else could you be
You got your own style
Now let it come through
And remember no matter what
You got to be you
Skatefish got to skate
Stingrays got to sting
Catfish got to purr
And Sebastian got to sing
Seahorse got to ride
Flounder got to play
And whale got to make the trouble
All the livelong say
So why should you be gloomy
That you're too big or small
The sea is very roomy
And there's plenty room for us all
You heard my little story
Now let it be your guide
Just treat yourself with pride
You'll be more than satisfied
Sing it with me now...you got to be you...I got to be me...
2 comments:
I'm glad that you are you! I am sure that you are doing a fantastic job leading the group, too.
The following is a quote from Max Lucado's "Failing Forward." I like it. Maybe you will, too. Just be the best you can be at whatever you're doing. That's all your Father expects of you.
"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows that it must be faster that the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows that is must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter if you are a lion or a gazelle: when the sun comes up, you had better be running."
So, my precious niece, just keep plugging along being exactly who and what you were meant to be!
Post a Comment