Bull's eye

A recent story was told to me about a man named Matt Emmons.  For those of you who know Olympic trivia, you may be familiar with his name.  It was the 2004 Olympics, and Matt was participating in the 50 meter, 3 position rifle event.  He participated well, and he came up to the last target.  All he needed to do was even hit the target and he would medal.  A bull's eye guaranteed him the gold.  With one shot, he hit the middle of the target.  Only problem was he had hit the target held for the lane next to him... the result landed him in 8th place.  He hit the bull's eye, but it was the wrong target.

As I look over the last 16 months, I can't help but feel a kinship with Matt's story.  Greatness can be achieved, but if it's toward the wrong target or goal, it comes up short... it's a failure.

I love that the Concordia program has Leadership tied into its curriculum.  I love that this is tied to servant leadership and real world application.  It enabled me to dream about the leader God would call me to be, and to be honest, feel a sense of weight in the responsibilities it would carry.  It seems for the last year I've been breathing leadership... anxiously awaiting my time to come.  However, now I can't help but feel that I've had my eyes on the wrong target.

An Excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't really matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. Like anybody, I would like to live - a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

These words continue to echo in my head.  That, compiled with songs like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfcDVIjGQQg), and reading books like Francis Chan's Crazy Love, and I'm compelled that the leadership I've sought is not the goal in itself for me.  For me there's this new actualization of what I'm really called to be as a Christ-follower.  I must remember the whole reason I'm getting my MBA was in preparation, not of a life full of comforts and safety, but rather to be equipped for the task Christ has ahead of me.  This will mean a radical shift, but one I'll have to take a step at a time.

My eyes are shifting to the New Testament Church.  How often have I passed them off or not taken them seriously.  Assuming they had a fire to care for others that could not be sustained.  And if I do begin to really consider their plight- can we really keep all our comforts, and love Christ passionately? 

If I am to remain authentic in my growth throughout this program, I have to integrate all parts.  I sought a Christian school for this purpose, and recognize for this reason, leadership and the practice of my MBA may be continually redefined as Christ lights our path and begins to reveal His plan for our talents, skills, abilities, resources... well- pretty much all of it.  I may not know the ending location of this path, or the roles God will call me to along the way.  My only responsibility is for what has been revealed and what I am currently entrusted with.  I must keep my eyes set on the right target- and trust the Lord with details like leadership, careers and all these other things, that really do grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.