I run into random people who say to me, “I heard you resigned!” And every time I hear it, I never feel like it’s the right word for what has happened these past few months. That word paints a picture of me handing over a letter saying I appreciate working here, but I came across a better opportunity and I’ll have my stuff out in two weeks.
I didn’t resign. In fact, I’d like to think I recommitted to the value of making disciples and leaders. And in so doing, I realized in order for my leaders… my family… my friends… to better embrace the potential, the beauty, the heart that is within them, I need to step away.
I was in two different conversations recently where friends were talking about parents transitioning from “authoritarians” to “influencers” as their kids get older. They no longer make overarching decrees about sleep time and eating vegetables. But parents gradually transition to being mentors and encouragers along the road of life. As their child matures, the authoritarian influences less and less. The mentor influences more and more.
I’m not sure we’ve reached that point entirely… but it’s an apt metaphor for what has happened. I’m very blessed to be a part of their lives. But it’s no longer necessary for me to remind them about their curfew. I still feel the pain when they struggle through areas of life and leadership. And I feel so proud when they flourish in their journeys with Jesus. They’ll make mistakes and regret doing a thing or two [as I did]. But God is doing a good work in them and it’s more appropriate now to witness this from the sideline.
In some ways, I have “resigned”. I don’t get a paycheck anymore. I do not have the title on the bank accounts. But in every other aspect, I haven’t resigned at all. Because Scripture so often uses the imagery of family to represent the church, I can change my role, become more of a mentor and remain a part of the lives of the people that I love deeply.
Now off I go to finding a paycheck…