(Not) Escaping Myself (part 2)

I got to spend time with Sarah and Matthew today (the kids I nannied for before going to seminary). They were starting to bicker and I found myself praying "wisdom, grace and humility." That was my constant prayer as I worked with them as a nanny. I wanted wisdom to know what to do when they were fighting, grace from God for myself (and to show to them) in all situations, and humility so that I would not respond to them with anger.

The thing that really struck me is that those things are almost identical to what I pray for in my leadership now, specifically - wisdom, courage and humility. I caught my breath in realizing that my time with Sarah and Matthew God grew my understanding of my need for him, his work, and his power for my life and that has overflowed into my time as a leader. It's also encouraging to recognize that what was developed then is continuing in now.

Do I escape my bad habits by changing location? No. But do the little things God has grown in me also follow me to new places? By God's grace, yes. What we do with the small things and those quiet, waiting, "in between times" God displays for his glory as he gives more opportunities to serve.