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6 Sustaining Lifelines for Leaders

3. Permission To Rest

You don’t need anyone’s permission to rest, but that’s not the problem. But, unfortunately, we often don’t permit ourselves to rest. Is that a struggle for you?

A great deal is written about the importance of nightly sleep, but I’m referring to periods of your working day where you have some time to catch your breath.

I will admit this is not one of my strengths, so I’m writing out of some failure and some success, enough of both to know that running at full speed is not a lifeline to longevity or effective ministry leadership.

Rest during the race of leadership is about learning your rhythms of intensity. The goal isn’t to empty your calendar; it’s a rhythm of leadership activity that allows you to catch your breath before the next more intense engagement.

It could be doing thirty minutes of email before a long, complex meeting or exercising before several more intense meetings. On the other hand, it might simply be twenty minutes of quiet reflection or taking a walk outside and returning to write a message. These kinds of ideas are practiced in weekly and monthly rhythms as well.

4. Space To Heal

It’s impossible to lead and not be hurt. The real issue is knowing how to heal and return to soul-level emotional and spiritual health rather than becoming withdrawn or even bitter.

Emotional and spiritual space to heal starts with grace for your soul. There is no need to manufacture it on your own; God gives you this grace. Your job is to receive it.

These 4 steps are not easy, but they are as simple as they appear. Don’t make them complicated; lean in.

  • Admit when you are hurt. Don’t stuff it in an attempt to be a strong leader.
  • Do not put energy into revenge or withdrawal. Instead, face the hurt and have the honest conversations.
  • Give yourself space and time to heal; this is a true leadership lifeline, but don’t let yourself get stuck there. (You may need some counseling.)
  • Choose a coach or mentor to test your resolve and closure, so you know you are fully ready to forgive and move on. The baggage of carrying hurt (pain) is too heavy to carry and lead simultaneously.

5. Time To Pray

Time to pray may be obvious, but I mention it for two reasons.

  • Many leaders confide that they are unhappy or satisfied with their current prayer life.
  • Prayer is the most powerful asset we have.

That being the case, it is always good to call attention to prayer, a true lifeline!

The good news about prayer is that it’s not a performance thing. It’s a relationship with God, who loves you and desires to bless you. Time is needed, but it’s more about time to sit, reflect, listen, and drink in the presence of God.

I encourage you to pick a time that works, a place that is conducive, and find a pattern you find personally helpful.