Over the last several years I have become friends with Arthur. He gradually snuck up on me and now because of the relationship I have with him, I walk with a limp. He is with me constantly! He is with me when I get up, when I go to bed, when I walk, ride a bike and try to "run". And to be perfectly honest, Arthur is a real "pain"! His full name is Arthur Ritus.

As big a pain as Arthur is, he reminds me daily of other painful lessons I am continually learning about leadership in the afternoon journey of my life. Here are a few:

1. I can no longer live the afternoon of my life with the same strategy as the morning program. What worked and made sense yesterday, won't cut it today. 
2. Specific tasks come with physical pain and I pay the price. No matter the pain or the price, it has always been worth it when it comes to doing "right" to others. Paradoxically, the pain and price have never been greater when I don't.
3. I am often awakened to the fact I have insulated myself with rationalizations about my abilities and strengths and haven't seen myself as clearly as I need to. Accordingly, I often have a flawed understanding of what it's like to live and work with me.
4. Uunderstanding my limitations mixed with grace helps me to grow. These two gifts grow in me exponentially as I extend those same gifts to others. I need to give more!

rb

Here is a two minute clip of me and my brother several years ago when we tried to send my mom a Mother's day picture (not). Enjoy.   

Mother's Day