The Christmas season brings so many traditions and wonderful memories. One of those is getting the Christmas tree every year.
For years, we’ve gone to the same local place, worked with the same local people, and have had wonderful memories of getting our tree. This year two of us were sick, one had practice, and we all agreed that Dad would just go pick up a tree. I was duly warned not to screw it up.
No problem, I thought. I went to the place. It was a beautiful day, not too cold. I said hello to the people who have worked the tree farm for years and I was determined to pick out a great tree. I walked around, took my time, and found an absolute beauty! It was a different species than the normal pine with short green pine needles. This tree’s needles were a little longer and had a beautiful aroma. I held it up, bounced it a couple of times, spun it around, took a long look at it while holding it, and thought immediately, that’s the one! The workers bundled it up, we threw it on top of the car and I came home. I was very proud and excited to show the family what I picked out.
We put it up the day before we were going to decorate it to let it settle. The kids, with their hands on their hips, smirked. They kind of looked at me and were hesitant to say what they were thinking, but it was pretty obvious that the bottom half of the tree was bare. There were large gaps in it and definitely did not look as good as I thought.
It wasn’t until I had stepped back into the view with the kids that I could really see it. When I was standing up, holding it with my hand, it looked great. It wasn’t until I looked at it from a different vantage point I saw it differently.
It’s important that we do this in our journey of leadership as well. Take things from a different vantage point. Step back and look at some things differently. Step back and look at some things with the opinions of those you trust.
I was right on top of the tree and couldn’t get a good look at the bottom. I couldn’t see the gaps.
When you’re able to look at things through a different lens or a different angle it gives you a different perspective.
I’ll remember to bring my trusted companions to pick the tree next year!
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