Servant Leadership

I wasn't able to attend class on Monday, but I did get the principles of what was discussed during Wednesday's Lab presentation that Macy gave. This topic in particular is pretty close to my heart. The idea of humble leadership, showing others their potential and lifting them up to reach it, is, to me, among the greatest human attainment. It exemplifies to me what Jesus Christ represents to Christians across the world. A profound love that enables us to sacrifice our own will to fulfill the will of others". It reminds me of a great scripture "greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for a friend." Seeing how the physical surrender of my life will not save anyone, I must look to understand the principle this scripture offers and implement it into my life. I see it this way "greater love hath no soul than they devote their works to another". Because at the end of the day, something inside of me affirms that that is what Christ would have me do. I know it is right. Macy highlighted some characteristics of a servant leaders that I wish to evaluate, and implement into my own life and leadership role.

• Involved Opportunities to be a servant leader arise when we become involved. Instead of being so overwhelmed with the daily grind, thinking "I don't have time for that, this is far more important"- I must realize the balance that my life needs in areas academically, physically, leadership-ically :) , and spiritually. I am resolving to make more time for getting involved and helping others. I can do this by being more organized in my time management and scheduling out specific times that I have free to do service/work on service opportunities.
• No Glory above all. The idea that leadership/service is about me and my needs is incredibly vain. Humility will open so many doors and accomplish so much. It is absolutely required for being a servant leader.
• Sacrifice Needs I think there is a distinction to be made in my everyday thinking between my needs and my wants/feel like needs but really aren't. I desire to shift my focus away from things I do not truly need in my life. By doing this I think it will cleanse mind/attitude- opening the door for more effective opportunities to serve. I can start by eliminating small things in my life that aren't doing me or any others any good.
• Let Others Grow Something that is hard to realize is that I cannot grow for others. Dropping a week's supply of food in a starving village will not be nearly as beneficial as to focusing on a system that will allow the village to bring themselves out of poverty.
• Love I wish was a simpler concept. But the idea in my life is harboring a sincere love for those I wish to serve. By taking into account the concerns of others, I can sincerely share in the pain of their affliction and I can focus my attention on how I can contribute to consolation.
• Quiet Dignity/Grace I feel like this comes with doing the above. It's not something I should focus on creating but rather something that come naturally when one becomes a servant leader. This is a good tool, although, in recognizing other servant leaders to share in your objective.

This week at the Students for International development meeting, my eyes were opened to the value of an education. In a group activity, using the staircase in the JFSB, we created a visual representation of access to an education in developing countries. While most of the group ascended to the 1st - 3rd grade level of education, only one (out of about 50) made it to the top where he received a college education. In hindsight, all 50 of the BYU students participating in the activity had made it to the top, and most of them hadn't realized this. I take for granted my access to an education. The opportunities for knowledge provided in my life are very rare elsewhere in the world. I feel like it is my responsibility to use what I have been given to give to others.

"Leadership is the special quality which enables people to stand up and pull the rest of us over the horizon."