Leaders as Elders..Part 3!

Happy New Year!!!

Here is the final installment to "Leaders as Elders"…Part 3 of 3:

Four Flames
Late one night, alone, gazing into the fire, I reflect on four questions: "Who am I? Where do I belong? What do I care about? Why am I here?" Suddenly I see four flames-one for each question.
1. The flame of identity-who am I? It is the flame of our life's stories. By re-calling our story, we rediscover and re-invent ourselves in the second half of life.
2. The flame of community-where do I belong? It is the flame of our place. By re-finding our place, we embrace asense of intimacy for life's second half.
3. The flame of passion-what do I care about? By renewing our life's call-ing, we stay connected and mentor those who'll see to things after we're gone.
4. The flame of purpose-why am I here? This flame illuminates our life's meaning. By reclaiming our purpose, we find creative expression and make a difference in the lives of others. In life's second half, the reward for surviving is the freedom to become your-self and to claim your place at the fire.

Richard Leider