My friend is
like a force
of nature.
At least that is how George Bernard Shaw would describe him.
Here is one of my VERY favorite quotes from the playwright.
This is the true joy in life,
being used for a purpose
recognized by yourself as a mighty one;
being thoroughly worn out
before you are thrown on the scrap heap;
being a force of Nature
instead of a feverish selfish little clod
of ailments and grievances
complaining that the world
will not devote itself to making you happy.
(G. B. Shaw)
All we have to do is change a few little words in this description and they describe how Jesus sees my friend. He is a force of God's grace. He is a walking illustration and representation of God's love. And when you are that - you are going to make a difference.
All day and every day, here is what my friend is doing. He interacts with lots of people. People in all levels of society. Highly placed people with apparently important titles beside their name. And then earthy people whose livelihood involves getting their hands real dirty as they provide vital services.
And he loves everyone he meets. He wants to help, serve, encourage and bless every one he encounters.
He told me he has a little conversation going on with God all the time. By the way, some of the old spiritual 'masters' would say he is practicing the presence of God, finding God in all things, stuff like that which makes you a force for God in the world, but I digress…
He has a little conversation going on with God. With every action, with every choice, with every opportunity, my friend is constantly asking,
"Is God smiling or frowning with my choice?"
He wants to live in such a loving, grace filled, way of servant-leadership that his life brings a constant smile to the face of Jesus.
WOW…
He is loving God, serving people and seasoning this broken, hurting world with the invigorating flavors of grace and hope, joy and love.
He can't stop talking about Jesus to others. But it is always natural, genuine, and appropriate. Nothing false or forced, awkward or uncomfortable. Not with my friend.
He is a vital optimist, a light shining in the darkness.
Generous and grateful.
Humble and wise.
And honestly… I am just scratching the surface.
God is smiling a lot these days as my friend moves through the world. And so are a lot of people around him.
"Hey . . . Make God smile today" were some of his final words as we parted.
Thanks. With you modeling the way for me, I'm a little more positioned and motivated to do just that.
Brian K. Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
www.lci.typepad.com
