I came across this bit of wisdom from a newsletter:
“The three stages of career development are: 1. I want to be in the meeting 2. I want to run the meeting 3. I want to avoid meetings.”
I have lived that wisdom. I was honored to be included in meetings as s youngster. Before long I began to think that the meetings would be so much more useful if I ran them. Yes, I longed to be in charge. Then I was in charge a few times. I tried to dispense with meetings.
Beneficial meetings exist in certain contexts. I was on a school board for a few years and on the boards of non-profits at times. Meetings where the point is making decisions to take the organization forward are essential. Meetings to talk about stuff—I can live much better without.
I’ve seen the cycle so many times. I long to be in charge. I am in charge and that feels great. Well, being in charge really isn’t that great; I just want to get things accomplished.
Do you think that Jesus’s disciples went through that cycle? Maybe they didn’t understand that Jesus skipped part 2? He shunned being King in the power-over-others sense. He taught. He led. He sacrificed.
This time of year we strive to remember his coming and struggle once again with why. It’s a time to pause and consider.
Faith Venture 
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