A couple of weeks ago, Mark was asked a question by someone that has had both of us thinking. This man asked him to be on the Board of Directors for his life.
What an interesting concept!
Because Hearts at Home is a non-profit organization, I serve under the leadership of our Board of Directors. They are responsible for the mission, vision, and values of the organization. This diverse group of men and women provide encouragement, wisdom, and accountability for me as the Founder/CEO of the Hearts at Home.
The idea of having a Board of Directors for my Life is a new one for me, but I like it! I think there is great value for this concept. In fact, I shared it with my friend, Becky, who I would consider “a Board Member” for my life. Becky encourages me, provides wisdom, and isn’t afraid to hold me accountable when it’s needed. She’s a step above a best friend.
One of the things we do on the Hearts at Home Board is try to find Board members who specialize in certain areas. Our board is currently comprised of a lawyer, a business owner, an accountant, a business analyst, and a human resources specialist. When we face a specific challenge in our organization, members of our Board are able to lend their wisdom and expertise to the situation.
What if we did that in our personal lives? We wouldn’t need all of those specialties, but what if we had someone who had spiritual wisdom, another who had financial wisdom, and still another with relationship wisdom? Or what if we just surround ourselves with well-rounded friends who we can trust with the darkest places in our heart and life? What if we really asked people to speak into our lives and we were willing to hear it all…the good and the bad?
I think we’d mature more quickly and would find some deeper relationships that I think most of us long for.
Becky’s not the only board member in my life. I have a couple of other friends who I would consider on my Board, too. I’ve never called them that…but I think I will in the future!
I definitely have a Board of Directors for my life, but I’ve never called it that before, either. Some come and go, and some are there to stay…when I was finishing college and trying to decide about going on the mission field, I asked several mentors/friends to pray and fast with me for direction. When I was on the mission field, my missionary teammates who were several years older than me became my Board of Directors. Then, in each place that I’ve moved, God has provided me with at least one friend to add to this Board of Directors. These are my friends who I can actually pray with and share my weaknesses as well as the things to celebrate, those that hold me accountable.
That’s the idea, Sandi! I love it!
Jill,
I’ve had a personal board of directors since 1985 and actually do a convention/church talk on this concept because it’s helped me grow more than most things I do. For example, I rethink who’s on my board four times a year because I have found that it’s one of the best ways for God to show me who He has brought into my life and for what reason. You should see what happens when I ask people if they’ve thought to put God on their Board! I hear all the excuses, but He should be the Chairman of our board. (If you want to know more about how I use my Board, just ask me.)
Love your blog….
Oooo…Kathy I love this! And yes, of course, I want to know about how you use your Board! Let’s connect!