We had seen the virtual tour and gotten first hand accounts from our designated house shoppers, so we knew it would be there when we arrived. The entire kitchen of our new home was decked out in blue and white plaid wallpaper. I should have taken a picture. Much of those first 2 days was spent pulling that paper off, one layer at a time.

As we worked, the thought crossed my mind more than once, “How could the previous owner live with this paper?” Maybe they liked the wallpaper. Maybe they never liked it. Perhaps they once adored it, grew tired of it, but never had the time or energy to make the (much needed) change. For the sake of my point, let’s go with that one.

How often in our own lives do we recognize the need to change, and then sit back and do nothing? We are too tired, too busy, or too fearful of change to take steps in the direction we know in our hearts is the right one.

Being hired to serve with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes with its Coaches Ministry has got me thinking a lot about leadership. I am here to work with leaders, so I’ve studied Nehemiah in the Bible, read about Truett Cathy of Chick-fil-A, and spent many a moment in prayer and reflection. One thing that has come to me is the reminder that I cannot be most effective serving others if my own walk isn’t where it’s supposed to be. All of this starts with a renewed effort toward pursuing intimacy with God, allowing Him to help me take care of my own bidness, getting planks out of my eyes when needed. We can go through the motions of leadership without making that effort, but there is no way we can be what we were created to be for others without having our house in order.

In case you were wondering, our wallpaper story has a happy ending. Our newly painted kitchen is beautiful. Our family is privileged and blessed to be here in KC to serve our coaches, the most influential people in our society.

These people round here wear beaten down eyes

Sunk in smoke dried faces

They’re so resigned to what their fate is

But not us, no not us

We are far too young and clever

Eileen I’ll sing this tune forever

– Dexy’s Midnight Runners