Leadership

 

An officer was assigned to the 1^st Cavalry at Ft. Hood, a United States Army post located near Killeen, Texas, about halfway between Austin and Waco.  As he was wrapping up his duties for the day, he walked past an enlisted man who was attempting to clean a huge M1-A1 Abrams tank with a garden hose and a toothbrush.  When asked about the situation, the young soldier related that his sergeant assigned the punishment due to an infraction of regulations.  As an officer, he could have overridden the sentence and dismissed the young soldier.  Instead, he went and located a bucket, sponge, and another hose and began helping the shocked young man complete the task of washing down the tank.  After a while, the officer told the soldier, “We’re in this unit together.  Your errors are my errors, too.”  It didn’t take long for word to spread to the other soldiers about what the officer had done.  Much respect was earned that day.

 

Fraser, a 20-year-old Scottish med student, is making a difference in his community.  Due to his influence, he is leading others to make contributions in their areas as well.  Fraser began to notice that people in the local retirement home rarely went outside to ride around, enjoy the fresh air, or communicate with the outside world.  They appeared rather lonely.  So, Fraser came up with a plan.  A couple of times each week, he takes two people at a time on rickshaw rides.  There is a double seat attached to the front of his bicycle.    The rides are lifting spirits, getting the people out to enjoy the outside world, and offering conversation along the way.  Around 60 residents have already enjoyed a ride with Fraser.  Due to the success and positive reports, others are also helping with rides.  The hope is to provide this program throughout Scotland.  Fraser commented, “I think projects like this can make society better.”  Although Fraser is a med student, he already has the heart of a doctor.

 

Whether we are the leader or one who comes alongside to help, may we, too, invest our time, talents, and energy into activities and programs that include, uplift, and make a difference in the lives of others.

 

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4