We seem to live our lives longing for "One Day".
Think back to school:
We find ourselves in primary school and we long for "one day" when we are in High School
In High School we long for "one day" when we will be in Matric
In Matric we long for "one day" when we will be in University
In Uni we long for "one day" when we will start working
When we start working we long for "one day" when we will be married
When we are married we long for "one day" when we will have kids
When we have kids we long for "one day" when they will leave the house
When they leave the house we long for "one day" when we will retire
We retire, we find ourselves on our death bed and we wonder when "one day" will come, or maybe we missed it.
We seem to live our lives longing for "One Day".
And why is that? Every stage of life, in every season, we will face things that bring us down. Think about what is in your life now that is causing you to long for "one day". It may be your boss, your parents, your kids, the economy, the government, crime, global warming, your job, your pastor, God, the devil... We blame our external factors for our discontentment.
But have you ever heard the saying "wherever you go, there you are"? The only constant in each phase of your life is you. But we consistently blame external factors or circumstances for our discontentment. As leaders, we often do the same. We lead when when circumstances are good, but hit wobbles and get disillusioned when we face challenges.
Paul, one of the greatest pioneers and leaders in history makes this statement:
"I've learned the secret of being content in any and every circumstance".
He has caught something here. He is saying that no matter what is going on externally, internally he is content... Not happy, but content.
I believe Paul had such a clear purpose, that when favourable or unfavourable circumstances came his way, his contentment was not affected. Purpose in internally generated, and thus external factors can't affect it.
I believe as leaders, when we have a strong sense of our purpose, we can also learn the secret to be content whatever the circumstances. And a content leader is a contagious leader!
When we are connected with our purpose we move from living for "one day" to living for "today"!
Do you know "why" you have the gifts you have? Do you know "why" you are doing what you do? Try articulating your purpose, getting in touch with it. Let it be the energy behind what you do.
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Don Muller has spent the last 4 years working into corporate and church leadership development and training both locally and internationally. He has a passion for and works towards seeing individuals live out their strengths and calling daily.