The pandemic takes many things from us, including joy. The joy of the Christmas season is lost when family and friends are not able to congregate and share fellowship or is it? Where does your joy come from? Presents under the tree? Giving to others? Rest and relaxation? These temporary pleasures have limits but are still shared as part of our joy. We must remember that He, the Maker, is the ultimate goal to quench our thirst for a joyful soul. So how does this link to leadership?
Love is at the heart of everything I do as a leader. This is a repetitive mantra, I'm sure you're very well aware of, if you read this blog. The Friday before we left for break, I was able to see and feel joy. Leading during a pandemic makes you aware of all the protocols and barriers to building a safe community. For a moment, the students and staff were presented a moment to forget. We still sat in our cohorts and wore our masks but for just a moment, we felt the fruit of the spirit. I heard kids saying, "this is the best day of my life," "we have to do this every year," and " this was so amazing!" Temporary joy but joy none the less. I could have ignored that text from our PTO, asking to bring a train to school. I could have stated all the reasons why we shouldn't but instead we made it happen. Why? JOY.
Retail Christmas is where many of my joyous memories come from. Working alongside many fellow friends during the busiest time of year. Endless Christmas music playing over the PA, gift wrapping, credit card openings, and the last minute shoppers all had one thing in common; giving to others to bring joy to the holidays, no matter the backlash of bills. I never understood until I had kids of my own; the kind of joy it brings to watch their eyes on Christmas morning. I remember dad walking the aisles and occasionally sitting at the Clinique counter to talk to me. He'd ask me how my numbers looked and would urge me to open another charge. Through the season, he also made sure everyone knew how much he appreciated them. Gift exchanges, secret Santa, pitch ins, and all other kinds of incentives to keep the joy during a very stressful season. I always remember my mom wondering why he let everyone else off early on Christmas eve and he stayed behind. That's what you do as a leader, you always look out for your people.
So while heaven is our ultimate goal, take time to create joy around you. You have an opportunity every day and in every moment to spread love and joy. Our reaction is just that, our reaction. If we choose to be the light, fill the room with joy, and seek peace we become the provider of those small temporary moments. I'm working on a staff development when we return and I want to leave you with this:
What will your friends and family say about you on your 80th birthday? When the presents are shared and the candles are lit, what is it you hope to be remembered by? This post is the beginning of a new semester, a new season, a moment to reflect and be the person you want to be, even during a pandemic. You can be the one responsible for joy in your home or school. Take the time you need to reset, rest and digest, and fill your cup. When we return, we will begin with this discussion, and so I challenge you to think about what others would say about you. Do you spread joy?
I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Just Love,
Kirsten
Here's a little tune that fills my cup and reminds me of Christmas.
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