What’s our ‘Go-To’ when our moments don’t meet expectations? Do we pray/pause/invite the Kingdom of God? –OR– Shift into blaming/shaming/fearing/controlling/raging? Our opportunity: Re-framing the way we see our ‘Less-Than’ moments. We can see them as ‘ready-made paths to growth.’ Leaning into greater self-awareness, we ask: “The way I handled that thing – what’s it say about my maturity? How can growth best happen here?” What would they say? Imagine the following Q’s were used to interview those you lead: Does it feel like he’s actively looking for ways to build you up? Is he good at catching you doing something good -- or something bad? How does he handle it when his expectations go off the rails? Do his emotional responses seem to fit the circumstances initiating them? Does he feel settled? Or, is he unaware of ghosts from an un-healed past overshadowing the way he handles people / challenges / tensions/problems? Would you say he’s more of an emotional thermostat – or a thermometer?
As we are ‘In Christ’, we are unconditionally, unrepentantly, and eternally beloved by our Father. We all inevitably stumble – highlighting our shortfalls. In those moments, we need not fear the loss of being a truly cherished son. We have His love. It is immutable. We can’t earn it – it is useless to try. Therefore, relax. As we rest, secure and saturated in infinite love – we lead well. Steadfast men constantly ask for Father’s help in handling things well. "The rubber meeting the road" is in our appropriation of this bedrock truth of His love into our every-day. The more of this truth we get into the marrow of our bones, the more the Holy Spirit has a ‘belonging and settled-ness beachhead’ within us.
"Firmly grasping our Father’s deepest acceptance, we need not fear our own imperfections as we imperfectly lead imperfect followers." “How we handle the thing is often more important than the thing we handle.” Even our lesser moments can churn up some rich soil. Each time we handle another thing, (or recover from mishandling that other thing), is an invitation to become more like Him. | 
