You want to know what people seem to be really good at? People are good at picking things apart. People are good at killing an idea before it has a chance. People are good at finding fault and dirt and reasons to dethrone our leaders. People are good at finding what hasn’t been done, over what has. Continually, people look for shortfall and shortcomings and are good at finding them.
People pride themselves on being the “devil’s advocate” and “the watch-dog” and “the opposition.”
Proverbs 11:11 (in the Bible) says “Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.”
We have part B down quite well but what about part A?
In the few years I have left, I would like to leave out the “devil” and just be known as an “advocate” for things that matter. Instead of a watch-dog, I would simply like to be watchful and mindful (more of my own steps than any one else’s). Instead of being all about opposing, I would rather be for something. I think this is what I am called to do. I think this is part of missional living.
I would like to bless people around me. I would like to bless my city and see it prosper and, in turn, bless other cities.
I know there is never enough attention being paid to “__________” (fill in the blank). But when I think of my own life and what I don’t give enough attention to, I wonder, am I measuring my leaders by a standard I myself can not meet? I am not saying that leadership does not need accountability, I just thing there should be way more “coming alongside” and less fingers pointing.
I want my city to prosper in the best sense. I would like it to be known as a place people can work and play and be safe. I want it to be a place where its citizens care for the poorest and most vulnerable. I want it to be tended and managed responsibly so that because of our good stewardship we can look at the future with hope and dream about its potential.
A city can be a light on a hill, but it is its citizens that make it so.
— Teresa Klassen
Afterword: Had the best time on Saturday with people all over West Kelowna coming together to work with Communities In Bloom to clean up garbage at six different sites. From kids to seniors, just a great show of unity. And thanks to CIBC, we were also fed and entertained. One small thing accomplished to bless our city.
OneBrownLeaf 