This is Leadership?

About a month or so ago, my kindergarten son came home with a brand new homework folder indicating that he was in a new small group in his classroom. Not only was he in a new group, but he was made "captain" of his group.  He was so excited and I saw in his bright smile and shining eyes a younger me.  One who was (and still is) eager to please and excited to be given this great honor of "leading" a group.

He chattered all the way home about it and asked me if I was proud of him.  It seems like mother, like son, my son's love language is affirmation.  He was so proud and he wanted me to join in his happiness and honor.

A few days later I asked him how it was going:

B: "Well, Mommy...I have to do a lot of work."
DM: "Oh, yeah, Baby? What do you have to do?"
B: "Well I have to hand out all the papers to the group. I have to clean up after the group. I have to put their chairs on the table at the end of the day. I don't know if I like this."
DM: "Have you asked your tablemates to help you?"
B: "Yeah, Mommy. But I don't know if they heard me or just didn't want to help me. I did it all by myself."

A part of me snickered internally and wanted to say, "Welcome to leadership, Baby." Well, maybe I did say it...under my breath, a little more loudly than I should have ;)

I encouraged him to ask for help when he needed it (something I wish I had done when I was in those positions as an adult) and to continue to always do his best.  He hasn't complained since and I am so proud of him for taking his responsibilities seriously and for doing it with a happy heart.

A part of me is irritated for my initial negative reaction to being a leader, but I think it was because his "promotion" into leadership is coming at a time when I, personally, don't want to take a lead on anything that is not directly related to my family. But I am happy for my little man and if he can learn to take his responsibilities with a grain of salt, a happy heart, and to ask for help when he needs it, then he is doing a much better job than I did in his position.

Rock on, Boogs! Rock on! I am proud of you. Love, Mama

Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV)