Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Bridge: The Danger of Over-responsibility

Some of life’s most critical lessons have to be learned again and again. Forgiveness. Love. Purpose. Faith. Endurance. The more I live, the more I realize how insightful Plato was centuries ago when he said that all learning is remembering. The principles and wisdom that enable us to flourish in life must be affirmed and embraced anew each passing day.

I was reminded today that principles of compassion and leadership are like that. Specifically, a tireless servant in the medical community shared with us how easy it is to forget that there is a difference between being responsible to another person in times of need and feeling responsible for another person in times of need.

She shared with us the following fable by Edwin Friedman, called “The Bridge,” which convicted me all over again of the dangers of over-responsibility. The applications for this story in leadership and service are endless. Enjoy.

The Bridge:bit.ly/gbRNui

2 comments:

the Kimberlins said...

Thank you for sharing the wisdom, it is a good reminder to anyone serving the Lord and working to share his good news. How difficult to allow ourselves that freedom or not feel failure when we act upon it.

Journeyman said...

So true, I know how often I need to be reminded of that freedom. You nailed it. Love you guys and your great work!