Before taking a position of leadership in my sorority, I was uninvolved and unevolved. Don't get me wrong, I've loved my sorority from the beginning -- the instant friendships, the service projects, and even the long chapter meetings with discussions of important business. So what could taking a leadership position offer me? At first, I asked myself the same thing. I thought, they need to fill it so why not -- it could be fun planning an event or two. After only being in my position for a little over two months, I can already see drastic changes in my life, my attitude, and my heart.
I love organization. I envy those who seem to have it all together. Every now and then I have a panic attack thinking about how I'm one day going to have a full-time job, a family, and serve in a local church. Sometimes I'm lucky to put my shoes on before I make it to the car because of how late I'm running; sometimes I'm lucky to have shoes on at all. Since taking on a leadership position I've learned so much about what I can handle as a person.
1. God makes a way for things in His will to work out.
Before taking on a leadership position, I only halfway believed that I could handle what God had planned for me. I guess I thought that God didn't really see my struggles, but after a couple of meltdowns and time in prayer, everything works itself out for His glory.
2. You are never alone.
When going to friends with problems or struggles, I found I always had someone to hold my hand or give me encouraging advice. I have been driven to confiding in people for the sake of keeping it all together which is something I would have never done before. I would have pretended to have it all together while mentally freaking out. I am absolutely nothing without my amazing support group.
3. It is much easier to let fear dictate your actions and words; it is best to choose joy.
When no one had bought a single shirt or the IRS was knocking on our emails about tax information, I wanted to basically roll over and die, raise my white flag and quit. I wanted to let fear rule my decisions. After a couple of meltdowns, I realized that I had to start choosing joy; I had to make an effort to laugh off my failures and rejoice in the fact that it can always be worse.
4. How to be humble
Going into this I guess I had some unknown pride. Being in a leadership position has taught me the higher you are- the harder the fall. You are never more than a mistake away from looking like you have no idea what you are doing.
5. People will come through for you
As frustrating as it can be sometimes, someone is always willing to be extra nice or offer a helping hand. Where would any of us be without the village of people that raised us? The same holds true for my sisters; I would've never been able to do any of this without them.
Overall I count myself as one of the lucky ones. I have been given such an amazing opportunity to serve and I do not take it for granted. Every day, I find myself a little stronger and a little wiser, and I truly believe the best is still yet to come.
