2 Thoughts - Legacy & Picture Frames

#1: Legacy & Picture Frames

When he was in his early 50s, Father Tom Mullin was asked to found our church parish.  He started with a handful of people, saying Mass in school gyms, fire halls, and synagogues until the church could be built 6 years later.

This past Sunday, 24 years after he began his work here, nearly 1300 people came out to celebrate his retirement.  As usual, his sermon struck the most elegant chord. 

He talked about a picture frame.  And how a good pastor (leader), was like a picture frame.   What's inside the frame is the purpose of the leader, the mission they've devoted their life to.

If the surrounding frame is too ornate, too ostentatious, it distracts you from paying attention to the mission.

The glass is the leader's character.  If it's too flawed and cloudy, you can't see past it to the purpose.

A good leader is simple, giving context and depth to what they've devoted their life to, and has a strong character that doesn't cloud their purpose.

As we listened, teary eyed, to his celebration farewell, I was struck by the love in that room.  By the example that he set.  And by the fact that he started this journey in his 50s.

#2: One Question to Ask Yourself

If you were to start today, what legacy could you build over the next 20 years?