The Torch Holder

Verse 17

The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist.
The next best is a leader who is loved and praised.
Next comes the one who is feared.
The worst one is the leader that is despised.

If you don't trust the people
they will become untrustworthy.

The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly.
When she has accomplished her task,
The people say "Amazing.
We did it, all by ourselves!"
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I love this verse. It is one of my favorite ones so far. It is even possible that I am understanding a real aspect of what is being said; with some of these verses, I don't know if I am even scratching the surface!

For me, being a leader feels most satisfactory when I am actually following. It's exciting to be invited to join someone as they walk down into their deepest personal depths, and then to be given a flashlight to hold for them. I can follow them down and shine the light in the direction they seem to be heading, and maybe even shine it off to the side a bit once in awhile to illuminate a wider screen. When they see something that fits or resonates for them, they can grab it and it becomes theirs. As they own it, they can take responsibility for it, find it again if needed, and possibly go forth on their own next time, more confident in their ability to discover whatever their hearts and minds are yearning for.

I find that it is important, as the flashlight holder, to be aware of the distance from the seeker that is needed at any time. If I get too close, the beam is overly focused, and they can only see the spot where it is pointed. If I am too far behind, everything is too dim, and they can't see enough. If I am paying attention, I can stand just the right distance behind, and, when they make their choice, I can step up next to them and let the light produce even more clarity.