Beloved reader,

Last Sunday I preached on the subject of leadership in anxious times. It is important that leaders (and everyone else, too) not get too caught up in “the anxiety of the moment” but are able to think long-term. To do this, leaders need to be connected with their center. Your center might be your deepest held values, or God, or the spirit. But whatever it is, it’s important to put that first. If you know your center, and you’re true to the mission of whatever it is your serving as a leader, leadership is considerably easier than it would be otherwise.

As usual, country music says it best. Here’s a great, timeless song about not getting too caught up in the anxiety of the moment and the pursuit of worldly gain at the expense of putting first things first. It’s written by Red Hayes and Jack Rhodes and has been covered by just about everybody.

Money can’t buy back your youth when you’re old
Or a friend when you’re lonely, or a love that’s grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind

As you go about your life, friend, may you find that most precious of treasures: a satisfied mind.

Rev. Bob