Jacob's Lesson in Leading

HEART THOUGTS…from Helen“

“Then Jacob said to him (Esau), “My lord knows that the children are tender and that I must care for the ewes and cows that are nursing their young….
“So let my lord go on ahead ...While I move along slowly at the pace of the droves before me and that of the children…”” Genesis 33:13-14.

Jacob learned a lot from his wrestling match with God just prior to his reconciliation with his twin brother, Esau.

Jacob remembered his shepherding skills with his father-in-law, Laban. Eastern shepherds lead, they do not drive.

Jacob recognized the limitations of the little ones, the children, the nursing ewes and cows.

Jacob revealed tenderness in his character. Jacob, who wrestled with God, demonstrated bravery in speaking up for those who couldn’t do so.

******How many of us need to slow down as we delve into 2012?
• Slow down for the benefit of those in your care.
• Slow down and remember your shepherding skills, to lead, not to drive.
• Slow down and recognize the limitations of those in your care.
• Slow down and reveal the tenderness that hides beneath the toughness.
• Slow down and remember your struggle with God and how he changed your life… slowly.

“Jacob said…”the children are tender…while I move along slowly at the pace of the droves and that of the children.”