That’s when I began to see the benefits of knowing my coworkers. More than over-achievers, they are trained and gifted professionals - who just happen to be across the hall from little old inexperienced me. I think Aaron noticed the opportunity as well when he quipped during computer training, "I better pay attention or who is going to show you how to do all this again later?"
I am so thankful for all of the people in my life who have taken time to personally "show me" how to succeed. This time it is my education coworkers, but many others have also played that role for me. Just about every achievement in my life has been thanks to someone’s willingness to lead me. As a student, as a writer, as a speaker, in every job I‘ve had, as a wife, a Sunday school teacher, a youth worker, and even as a mom, I learned by following the right kind of example. In time, then, it became my responsibility to lead someone else looking for an example. You can call it coaching, mentoring, leading, shepherding, or teaching. Whatever you call it, it requires just two things; someone willing to lead and someone willing to follow.
"Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us." Philippians 3:17
"Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him." Ephesians 5:2
"And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Let your teaching be so correct that it can't be criticized. Then those who want to argue will be ashamed because they won't have anything bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8
What better way to grow as a parent than to follow someone who has been down this path. Walk in their footsteps. Ask their advice. Learn from their wisdom. Whether it is in parenting or any other area of life, intentionally following those who are following Christ will only lead to one thing. One day we will wake up and realize that the lives we are living are lives others can unashamedly follow.
© Copyright 2005
Kim Wier is the director of Engaging Women, a ministry of women encouraging women through speaking, writing and broadcasting. The author of four books, an award winning humor columnist and radio talk show host, Kim regularly speaks to audiences around the country with depth and humor that focuses on discovering God in the everyday experiences of life. For more visit www.engagingwomen.com .
