At the beginning of the new year, 1828, Eugene reflected on his situation of having been condemned to humdrum administration work in Marseille for a fifth year already. Realizing that the years were passing he shared some of his downheartedness with Fr. Courtès.
He was about to turn 48 – which seemed to have been a rather advanced age in those days! Giving in to a good dose of southern emotionalism he paints a gloomy picture of his prospects and abilities! Consequently, he charges the younger Oblates to keep running with the ideals he had given them.
Letter to Hippolyte Courtès, 2 January 1828, EO VII n 289 Little did he realize, in his gloom and doom, that he had another 33 years of dynamic life-giving years ahead of him, where he would accomplish extraordinary work for God!
“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.” Chris Hadfield |
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Sometimes it is just nice to be noticed, or to be thanked, or to be recognized. Its not why we necessarily do something but when we are in the doldrums it can help, to be given a boost up so that we can keep going. I have to say that I love that Eugene shares all of himself, the good, the bad and the dramatic. Were Eugene to walk the earth today (which he does in a sense in all of us) and feel and write this way I would likely go (after silently smiling at his little display) and give him a hug and walk with him, listen and be with. I would acknowledge him.
As for the laying the ground work – I look at what Eugene has given to all of us, all of his sons and daughters. It was his life, all of it, his example – the way he lived and his writings. Even his spirit that is shared with us today – it is all about sharing and giving to the other so that they will be lifted up, supported, come to know and have what he had and to move out from there. It’s about a lived thing, a ‘being’ thing.
I find myself quite unable to think this morning but know that there have been some awesome leaders in my life – and there still are. I feel incredibly blessed and thankful for all who lay the groundwork.