As we celebrate this special time of year, many emotions flood our hearts.

Many of us delight in the revelry, celebration, and occasions. We sing, bring gifts, and share dreams with those we love.
But I know that not all of us share the joy.

Some grieve the hurts that past celebrations have brought.
Others mourn the loss of those with whom they once celebrated.
Maybe there are those who feel nothing but cold and dark during this time.

Whatever your situation, I want to thank you for being a part of my journey, this year. I want you to know that you are valuable and are making an impact. I want you to believe that there is healing and peace available to you.

As many of you know, I spent 12 holiday seasons away from my family and friends. I spent years facing both my own hurt and the hurt that I caused others. And, in that place, I found two things that gave me purpose and peace in a way that nothing else did.
1. A personal relationship with God in Jesus – This reality rings brighter for me in this season, but is true every day of the year.
2. Serving others – This is truly the reason we were created and nothing brings more purpose than serving others. When I speak of “Servant-Minded Leadership (as I often do), it is not a fad, a bandwagon, or a brand. It is at the very heart of who I am. It is how I see that the baby in the manger lived his life, and it is how I live, as a reflection of heart of God.

So, as we all navigate this season together (and with our teams), can I just recommend that we serve one another? Can I recommend that we love others in their pain? Can I recommend that we be the blessing the world needs?
In our service, let’s do our part to ensure that someone does not have to endure yet another overly-difficult Christmas!

I love you. Thanks for being on this journey with me!

#christmas #service #love #purpose #joy #servantmindedleadership