So I'm just back from a three day camping trip to Fundy National Park where I walked too much, slept on a crappy mattress and got bitten by things I would rather not know exist. Despite all that I had a grand time and learned another valuable lesson along the journey.
It was day 2 during our trip when the three of us set out on an 8 km journey down and back up a mountain with the highlight of laverty falls in the middle.
Ben is only 8 and I have to admit I was certainly skeptical on his ability (an mine if the truth be known) to complete the journey on his own.
4 hours and several bottles of water and chocolate chip cookies later we completed the walk with Ben crossing the preverabial finish line first.
As we drove back to the campsite we remarked on how "amazed" we were on his ability to finish the hike when he replied "you guys underestimate me a lot!"
Well imagine the silence and awe when our little boy stated we were underestimating his ability to complete something I had decided should be reserved for the bigger kids.
It got me to thinking again about life, Ben and our time together. It's not that I didn't think Ben could do it - it's that I didn't want him to be able to. He's growing up so fast and I would prefer he stay that little boy that still asks on occasion for me to carry him to bed.
Life goes by so fast.
In some ways it seems like in the blink of an eye your helpless little children are grown and flying on their own.
The same holds true in leadership as well. If you truly give what those you lead need, they will soon be flying on their own. It's your ability to step back and allow them to trip and stumble along the way that makes them strong, confident and comfortable when it finally clicks.
There's a lovely song by Cape Breton artist Rita MacNeil "Flying On Your Own" with a chorus that states;
"And when you know the wings you ride
Can keep you in the sky
There isn't anyone holding back you
First you stumble, then you fall
You reach out and you fly
There isn't anything that you can't do"
A little corny but you get the meaning.
So thanks again for another great lesson in life and leadership Ben. You are my greatest treasure and my greater teacher.
Keep Flying Little Man!!
Dad.
