Sitting on deck of our fishing cabin in Crested Butte this summer taught me something I’ll never forget. As I sat in the quiet by the river behind our cabin I reflected on one of the most epic days of fly fishing I had ever had. There are so many things God revealed to me through the professional guide I was shadowing, but on this night the fishing experience took a back seat, and I noticed something else.
My recent trip to the San Juan Islands north of Seattle causes me to consider how to resist the rising tide of excuses in my life. How do we apply the adage “just do it” to our journey as a follower of Jesus? Outdoor recreation helps us break the habit of making excuses.
What makes some leaders more influential, efficient, and productive? There is no formula, but here is a list of 7 things I’ve observed that successful leaders do differently.
I smell the presence of snow. Tiny crystals of water float loosely in heavy crisp air. Each breath refreshes and soothes the cavities of my nose with moisture. The maturing fall season triggers a conditioned reflex response. I salivate for my first turns on untracked pristine white snow.
For many youth today, their ipod or iphone is more important for them to have close at hand than anything else in their backpack. Since outdoor ministry is about first about transformation, outdoor leaders who understand the art of facilitation need to view this seeming obstacle to a “true wilderness experience”, as an opportunity to help young people see how their addiction to connectivity might be wounding their soul.
