GREAT

Everybody leads somebody.  If you're a dad, you lead somebody.  Mom, you're leading.  Grandma/Grandpa, leading.  Business person, you're leading someone.  Student, even you are leading.

I don't know if you are settled with being an 'OK' leader - an 'I'm just good enough to get by' leader - or if you are unsatisfied with anything short of being a great leader. 

Great leaders bless others.  They are constantly looking for ways to bless whoever is in their constellation.  Great leaders are not just given to great issues; they are given to people.  This capacity to encourage and bless is the defining characteristic that elevates them to greatness in their leadership.  They find life is not about getting more degrees and accomplishments; it is about enhancing others' lives.

Great leaders are marked by gratitude.  They consider leading a privilege, not a burden.  They are not unaware of the burdens - they are real - but they are grateful for their assignment.  They count themselves blessed by those they lead and serve, blessed by their colleagues, blessed by their teams, blessed by their friends, blessed by their families, blessed by God.

Great leaders are grateful to be alive in the world they occupy.  They do not shrink from the challenges of the day, but they continually work toward something better. 

Great leaders make countless decisions that ultimately bring them to their destination.  They resist distraction, they overcome becoming demoralized, they discount discouragement as their only option.  Instead, they choose determination, optimism, intentionality and courage in the face of fears, doubts and shortcomings.

'I do not know how many people opt out of greatness.  I shudder to think ... '

Great leaders are at home with themselves and with God.  They aren't completely untouched by failings or dark sides.  They don't ignore those things.  In fact, they are keenly aware of their vulnerabilities, but they refuse to be captured by them or allow them to be "the book" on their lives.

Great leaders argue for life by their example and by their actions.  They wage war on what keeps them and others from enjoying the life God intended. 

I do not know how many good people opt out of greatness.  I shudder to think how many might.  But I am grateful for every single one who chooses it.  You can choose, as many have, to settle for less.  But don't do it.  You will rob yourself - and others - of the chance to live the better, the best, life.

O yeah - one thing.  To get there, you'll have to surrender your life.  All of it.  Yep.  Everything.  You'll have to surrender your dreams and your plans and your days and your agendas.  They will all belong to the One who believes in you so much He has risked His own agenda on you.  The choice is momentous.  And amazingly, it is yours to make.

And be blessed.