“I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days. I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal[a] Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so, I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.” (Nehemiah 2:11-18 NIV)
There are multiple lessons to learn from the account of Nehemiah leading the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem; lessons for all leaders, and followers too. Read the verses above and the verses surround it, at your set aside daily Bible reading time. You will indeed find many lessons.
But this morning, as a follow-up report from Tuesday’s “Oppositive Day,” I want to share some lessons from a second grader.
This capable speaking second grader was asked to be in charge of the “Community Table,” a round table where we work on non-academic character building. From the moment she entered the Education Center, there was no doubt she was in charge. She began by sitting time parameters, allowing enough time for after-school snacks and random interaction between participants, adults and children. Next, when time for the first activity to begin, she called all the mentees and mentors to the “Community Table.” While other “mentors/teachers,” all young elementary children assuming their reverse roles were asserting themselves, the second grader was the one who outlined the plan for the evening.
These are some of the lessons I took away from the session, lessons demonstrated by the actions of a second grader; lessons that we all can benefit from in our secular and church roles. The lessons, valuable when you are asked to take on a responsibility are as follows:
- Ponder on your options. (No, as they say, “shooting from the hip.”)
- Prepare to pursue success by developing a plan.
- Proceed with the plan, work the plan, and allow for flexibility when uncertain things come up.
- Participate in some form in the work, even if you are the leader. Join in executing the plan, similar to the way Nehemiah did in rebuilding the wall. Don’t just play the role of the one in charge of attaining a goal. Don’t get trapped in a status achieved trap! Help ensure the goal is achieved.
- Proceed by adopting the MBWA approach, managing by walking around, as did the second grader’s adoption of this management principle that she has never been exposed to in her young life, not formally, not yet. She just naturally checked on what her co-mentors were doing.
- Plan the perfect closing. The second grader’s perfect closing was a brief summary and as everyone had put on their coats to depart, a call to pray before we dismissed. Honestly, the hair on my arms stood up because of the latter action. How perfect was that for a closing of an activity held on the church property. Wait! There’s more! Seven symbolizes completion, right?
- Publicize the success of the participant’s performance. The second grader collected a sample of the work the mentees (normally the mentors) had done and asked permission to post them on the bulletin board, not in their classrooms, but in the church where all in attendance could see our work. Maybe you should visit us! (Smile!)
Enough said, almost. I have one last comment. When parents and grandparents train their child, positive results will take place. If you have no children at home, just remember that some child of God who has not reached your maturity will emulate your examples. Hmmm? Worth thinking about and reacting too, right? The familiar, favorite passage below will help you in your training others who will follow you. Have a terrific day! Be blessed! “
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 NIV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
These daily meditations can be found at markwritesdaily.com.