I just got back from a mission trip to Kamonkoli, Uganda. In a word: life-changing! You always hear that, but when it happens to you personally, it’s an “ah-ha” moment. I’ve had these tingly mission experiences before because this wasn’t my first mission trip, just the first one I led all by my little self! I had been planning for months, sent multiple emails and follow up emails, and led the hour long orientation conference call. No problem….I got this.
However, It didn’t start off the way a leader would hope that it would. My team of 13 from all over the US were to meet me at the airline counter at 10:00 a.m. sharp. I was there 45 minutes early with 13 duffle bags filled with supplies and a clip board looking all official. Slight problem: I was at the American ticket counter and my team was at Delta, which happened to be the right airline. Oh dear!! Half of my team did not know me, so I am not sure what kind of first impression I made. They were probably wondering if I could lead them to Uganda if I couldn’t lead them to the right airline. There was no way I could hide the obvious.
I would venture to say that I am not the only one who has made it their mission in life to present well when labeled “the leader.” The Bible says, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty….that no flesh should glory in his presence.” I Cor. 1:27;29. Later we read in II Cor. 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” That’s good stuff! Such a reminder that even our best effort to lead well pales in comparison to what God wants to do in and through us. Check lists, strong skill sets, and pouring over every detail won’t matter unless we depend on God.
I’m on a mission in life to get out of the way and let him lead! Want to join me?