Follow The Leader

Remember how I said that my sweet turkeys go to daycare during the summer time, and I would like you not to judge me for it? Okay, remember that.

I really love dropping my boys off in the mornings and taking a moment to watch as they run off to start their day. While I hate leaving them, little humans fascinate me so much. And I truly believe that going to daycare and interacting with other adults and children, having experiences they would not have with me here at home, has done wonders for their social behavior. If you stay home, bless you. If you work and have to leave your kids each day, bless you. I think we are all working on a special crown in heaven.

At our daycare we have the most precious ladies who love my boys like their very own, and we are so blessed to have them around. We wouldn’t be the same without them. This morning, as I was dropping the boys off, it was breakfast time. The kids were starting to line up, and I watched with utter amazement as each child lined up with little effort on the part of those sweet ladies. Why? Because that is the routine, the expectation, what they have always known. They have always been taught to follow the example set before them. And with consistency, they have all complied. These routines become so engrained in their precious little brains that they carry them out wherever they go, and they are better little people for it.

Can I let you in on a little secret? Even if you think you’re leading, you’re following…

Wait, what?

We are always taught, “Be a leader, not a follower.” But the truth is, we are all followers. Whether you consider yourself to be a person who is generally laid back and goes with the flow or someone who is more outgoing and likes to take charge– you, friend, are following. You’re a follower.

You are following the example of someone before you. Maybe your parents taught you to be independent and ambitious. Maybe you are modeling your steps after someone who inspires you to step out and lead. Maybe you have just been following so long you don’t even remember who set that example before you.

Admittedly, I have not always been an advocate of daycare. And as a parent, I certainly did not choose that lightly for my children. But oh the great things I have seen come out of good leadership and guidance. We work hard to be good leaders for them here at home, but they are doubly blessed to have such incredible women, who have become family to us, lead them at “school” as well.

Today, take time to consider… who are you following? Be a leader. Be strong, courageous and ambitious. But whose example do you look to as you walk? Walk slowly. Why? Because, here is another secret. There is someone behind you, learning how to become a leader. Follow carefully…