Everyone needs a Coach Sean!
I am here at home with coffee and Bible in hand reflecting on circumstances in our life that leads us to reverse roles.
I remember a dear pastor friend whose wife had cancer. He was able to keep her in the home with friends who were nurses, the compassionate care of hospice, and many people from his church offering support from meals to cleaning his house. Through the months of constant care from others, he had to reverse roles from providing care to others to receiving care from others. Sometime later after his wife died, he stepped back into the his role as pastor. He was already a great pastor, however after receiving care instead of giving it, he knew the words and actions that were helpful and harmful during a loss.
About five months ago, I participated in my own role reversal. I made my first coaching call and spoke with Coach Sean who was both welcoming and professional. Once I selected a goal to work toward, I quickly realized how I would need to make small steps toward completing that call because Coach Sean would be every 2-3 weeks.
By the second phone call, I realized my role had been reversed. Coach Sean was the one asking the questions, encouraging and listening as I shared answers. By the end of that call, I admitted that it might take me a little time to be comfortable in this new role. Since as a pastor, I typically get to ask the question, listen, encourage and pray during the phone call.
After a few coaching calls, I have come to expect the following two questions;
1. What would you say were some of your accomplishments on your goal since we last spoke?
2. What would be most helpful to discuss during our time together on the phone?
I will have to say these calls have moved me farther in completing my goal than if I would have tried to tackle this goal on my own. I want to encourage you to Inquire at your place of employment to see what services are available in terms of support toward creative wellness solutions. Perhaps you will be as blessed as I have been to have Coach Sean listen and encourage you as well from the West Coast.
Jesus displayed a role reversal from social practices of the world as he settles the argument between James and John of their request to have one sit on his right and one on his left in glory. In Mark 10, Jesus responds.. whoever wants to be great among you must be a servant. And whoever wishes to be first among you must be a slave to all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
My prayer of us is to complete goals that advance God's kingdom together.
Take Care and have a blessed week.