Leaders Abide in Hope

This time of year, I love to read the Christmas story from the first couple of chapters of Luke. Like many others, I used to assume the story ended with the Shepherds rejoicing and praising God for all they had seen and heard in Bethlehem. But for the last several years, I have enjoyed reflecting on a couple of the lesser known players in this historical account – Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22-38); two devout Jews holding fast to the hope of the coming Messiah and gifted with Spiritual insight. Simeon and Anna served day and night in the temple, confident that they would not abandon their temple duties until they had seen the Christ Child. When reading this account, it is apparent that the hope of this single event motivated Simeon and Anna in their daily temple duties. It was the very reason for their existence and provided a great source of joy. And when Mary and Joseph entered the temple with Jesus on that glorious day, Simeon and Anna were overwhelmingly fulfilled. Their joy was beyond expression as they held their Savior in their arms and imparted their wisdom to the new parents.

I am always amazed at the faithfulness of Simeon and Anna. How many times did their hearts leap in their chest when they saw new parents approaching the temple for the atoning sacrifice; always wondering “is this the Child?” How many times did they imagine what it would be like to hold the infant Messiah in their arms? As the months dragged into years, did their faith ever falter?

As leaders, this story can provide inspiration and encouragement to be faithful in our duties. Our faithfulness is strengthened when, like Simeon and Anna, we are confident and unwavering in our commitment to the divine purpose of our being. There will be days when the tasks seem mundane and our efforts go unnoticed and unappreciated by others, but with the proper perspective joy and peace are always within reach.

Thanksgiving in Tennessee

Glad I Lost My Wallet

We've all had those moments when God takes us on a little journey full of unexpected twists and turns; usually with a surprise outcome that humbly reminds us that WE are not the center of the universe. Sometimes the events and situations in our lives are pointedly orchestrated for the benefit of others. I had one of those experiences a couple of weeks ago. I had been working in Amarillo for a couple of days and was anxious to be returning home on a Friday. I checked out of the hotel in my usual rush and headed to work. The morning was fairly uneventful but as I started out the door to meet a couple of folks for lunch, I realized that my wallet was not in my pocket. Of course my heart started racing and I could feel the blood rushing to my head. I quickly retraced all my steps, checked all my pockets a thousand times, emptied my backpack, searched the car with a fine tooth comb...no wallet. I decided that it just HAD to be somewhere in the hotel so I drove back across town; all the while replaying in my mind the frustration of having to cancel my credit cards, borrow gas money to get home, get my license replaced....uuuugh.

I was FURIOUS with myself for doing something so stupid. I entered the hotel on this last ditch effort to find my wallet. I guess the manager could see the anxiety written all over my face because as I approached the front desk he said, "you must be Mr. Boen." I took this as a good sign and immediately felt overwhelmed with relief. He explained that the housekeeper had found my wallet when she was cleaning the room and had just brought it down to him. Incredibly thankful, I pulled out some cash and asked him if he would pass it on to the housekeeper. With a big grin on his face as though he had just come up with a brilliant idea, he said he would "do me one better" and let me personally give it to her. I obliged and he began to lead me down the hall to a conference room. As we walked he explained that the housekeepers were just beginning to gather for a meeting. We entered the conference room and there must have been about 30 housekeepers chatting it up waiting for the meeting to start. The manager briefly explained the story of the lost wallet and asked the housekeeper to come forward. Nobody moved at first but then someone translated the story in Spanish and everyone began to applaud. The housekeeper sheepishly approached the front of the room and I grasped her hand, "Gracias, Gracias." As I slipped the cash into her hand, she began to cry, covered her face, and returned the "thank yous." I quickly left but the celebration continued and I realized that loosing my wallet had nothing to do with me that day. It was all about the housekeeper. Never thought I would be so glad to have lost (and found) my wallet.