As part of our KCI vacation (see yesterday’s post), Julie and I went jet skiing on Saturday. It’s only the second time I’ve ever been.
The most interesting thing about jet skiing is managing the wake left by other watercraft. Jet skiing is fine as long as the water is smooth — you can go as fast as you like.
But if you get caught behind another jet ski or– even worse — a boat, the water becomes choppy and difficult to navigate. The action of that craft leaves a wake of turbulent water. Now the person on the jet ski in front of you has no idea of the problems he is causing you; he’s simply using the machine as it’s meant to be used. But as the trailer ski, you pay the price.
I’ve been learning that decisions are much the same way. Every decision you make has consequences that you don’t anticipate — and often those consequences impact people you aren’t even aware of. This is true in your families, at your work places, and especially in spiritual leadership. The quality of decision-making, I guess, has to do with the amount of turbulence it leaves behind.
What kind of wake are you creating for those coming behind you? Maybe more to the point, are you looking around to see your own impact?