Summer Vacation

Well, apparently I went to Newport, Oregon. I have the photo album to prove it and the brochure from Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area just off Highway 101 on the beautiful Pacific Coast, as well.

I say apparently because I have never actually been on summer vacation to Newport nor to Yaquina. But I have a friend, Marilyn, who knows I love lighthouses. She also knows why I love lighthouses. (More about that later)

So, Marilyn went to Oregon and she made the summer vacation trek to Yaquina Head. She did all the hiking and climbing to the top of the lighthouse. She took pictures along the way. I know because she came home and made a photo album of MY trip.

I now have a “coffee table” type beautiful photo album of the ocean, the birds, the trees, the bridges, my friend Marilyn and, oh yes, the lighthouse! About two dozen perfect photos in a lovely photo album that everyone loves to sit and flip through.

Summer Vacation

The album isn’t about Marilyn’s trip. It is about MY trip to see the things that I like. Marilyn could do that because she actually listens to her friends. She listens with purpose. She listens to what they like and why they like it. And then she remembers.

She remembers and she actually does something about it. I will never forget my summer vacation trip to Yaquina. And I am reminded once again that servant leadership is about listening…listening, caring and taking action.

Summer Vacation

Whatever you are doing today, try listening to the other people. Don’t just wait for a break in the conversation when you can start talking. But listen to the other person as if you cared. Funny thing is, after doing it for a while you will probably start to connect with that person. They will actually believe that you care.

To take it to a higher level, do something about what you heard. Introduce that person to someone who needs their services, or introduce them to someone who can meet their need.

Or you could make them a summer vacation photo album. They will never forget you. Because you have listened to them and they have proof.

Do it for someone who cannot help you in any way. It is infectious. You will find yourself wanting to listen and act more each day. Marilyn wants to be remembered as someone who listened and cared. Ya think?

How do you want to be remembered?

Now about why I like lighthouses. All over the world people build lighthouses…for strangers. It seems that putting resources and effort into building the lighthouse to guide travelers away from the hazards is a human trait. The lighthouse shows the way so that others can avoid getting lost on the shoals.

You have a choice; build a lighthouse, look for a lighthouse, or be a lighthouse.

Marilyn chose to be a lighthouse on her summer vacation.

Blessings,
Brenda
www.americanprudential.com