What Kind of Footprints Are You Leaving?
If you know me, you know I have a love, a passion really, for the beach. It is where I find rest, energy, innovation, and direction. I work hard to find ways to work from the beach. Such has been the case this past week or so. Between my meetings, writing, and normal business obligations, I love to take long walks on the beach. I had the opportunity to take a couple of beach walks with my adult children who currently live in Seattle and Nashville. They each wanted a bit of "coaching" from Dad. They are millennials who are finding their purpose and trying to live their values. While we were walking, I happened to glance backwards. What I saw was startling. There were no out of the ordinary things taking place behind us. There was just the beach and the ocean and the waves…. and our footprints. They were aligned with mine walking beside each of theirs. It was a stark reminder of what we are called to do as leaders, coaches, spouses, parents, and children.
We are designed and built to walk with each other. Leadership is about leading ourselves so that we may earn the opportunity to speak into the lives of those who are within our circle of influence. Finding the time, having the desire and expending the energy are important characteristics in truly leading well. We are leaving footprints each day that we exist. The question is what kind of footprints are we leaving. Are we investing in others or are we simply walking alone with selfish ambitions and goals?
My beach walks were a reminder that I have a responsibility to walk with others in an authentic and caring way. Taking the time to look back helps me to know if I am on the right track. Choose to create footprints that walk beside those in your life and you will make a difference!
