Just over eight weeks ago, on August 8,9 I had sat through the annual Global Leadership Summit for about my 25th year. When this two day leadership-equipping seminar first began I would drive to Chicago for the live event. Once the GLS became a multi-site broadcast, we quickly signed up to be a host site. I’ve soaked up these two day events every August like a dry sponge ever since.
Each year I would leave with new insights and goals to better serve the organization I led, (Christian Life Center) and to grow personally from the inside out. This year, August 8,9 delivered as usual, I was inspired and challenged by the likes of Marcus Buckingham, Joni Eareckson, Amy Edmondson and Arthur Brookes (just to name a few).
However, after the final session of the GLS and things were winding down, I left my office and took one last walk through the now guest-emptied, quiet auditorium; this year things were different. I was entering an unprecedented season of change for me as a leader. I was in the final phase of a succession process we had begun years earlier.
Three weeks later, August 28th I spent my final day at work, at the place I had gone to for 41 years. There would be no more staff meetings, no vision sessions, no more board meetings, no weekend talks, and as I walked to my car I asked myself, “Now What?” I was all motivated with a leadership infusion with nowhere to go with it.
UNCERTAIN SEASONS LIKE THIS ARE PART OF LIFE. This season is different, because I led the “succession charge” for the good of those I have been leading, and now, I’m out.
My last day in the office was only 10 weeks ago; so far it feels like a long vacation, including some fun trips. However, I know this will change as my familiar routines continue to fade. I’m a little nostalgic of what has been, but also feeling anticipation for what is next.
YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF IN A SEASON OF UNCERTAINTY. If you’re like me, I have more questions than answers, but I’ll tell you what i’m trying so far. First, I’ve postponed saying “yes” to new opportunities for three months, so I can unwind, and re-set. I’ve seen too many people jump to decisions too early when something ends (a career, a marriage, a ministry) and they end up creating more complications in the future.
Second, I am choosing gratitude rather than grief. I know pastor friends who’ve retired who tell me they “grieve” their former positions for years. I decided I could either grieve what is no longer part of my future (as far as I know) or I could look back with gratitude on 41 years at one place, and a fruitful 45 year career…wow, thank you God.
Third, I’m choosing some new and renewing activities. My wife and I are enjoying our travel plans and I’m doing some trips on my own. I also decided to tap into the creative side of my personality by taking a “beginning painting” class at our local junior college…I”m LOVING it. Featured with this article is one of our assignments…we each received a paper bag, and were turned loose to paint a picture of it.
It won’t sell in a gallery, but it’s fun, it’s different from what I would normally find time to do, and being creative in some way feels good for me. I’m having to practice what I preach in this uncertain season, trusting in the well known verse of Romans 8:28…”and we know that God causes all things to work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”
If you are also in an uncertain season, I pray you grow forward, and find new paths to what is ahead. Try new opportunities, be patient and see what God does….and say a prayer for a fellow traveller on that unfamiliar path.
Dr. Stan J. Tharp, MBA 
8 responses to “Now What?…the paper bag exercise.”
ahhh an “attitude of gratitude”! I love that and it really changes everything.
it may not come naturally, but it really does make a good difference, be grateful for what you had, instead of grieve over what won’t be.
P. Stan, As usual, you are putting principles you taught for 41 years into practice in your own valley of uncertainty. But it is clear to me you are waiting on the Lord for validation of your emerging vision before embarking on the next part of your journey. On my own journey after leaving a career with GM back in the 90’s, and fretting about serving the Lord and how, you took me to lunch and I will never forget what you said after listening to my meandering vision. You said to go to Habakkuk 2:2–3 which, to this day, I share with people how this instruction made clear where my compass should be pointed from the valley. Congratulations on a stellar career/ministry, the lives you have helped, and the example you continue to set in applying principles learned, taught, and walking. Alphonso
P. Stan, I really like your idea of choosing gratitude rather than grief, you have too many things God can use you for to be grieving.
I’m sure God will show you something where he can use you, and if nothing comes up right away just enjoy the freedom to spend time with Joyce and some friends…
God bless you bro, I’ll keep praying God makes your path clear…
Thanks Greg…I agree 🙂
Pastor Stan,I didnt want to reply
choosing gratitude…yes. Keep painting!
P. Stan, As usual, you are putting principles you taught for 41 years into practice in your own valley of uncertainty. But it is clear to me you are waiting on the Lord for validation of your emerging vision before embarking on the next part of your journey. On my own journey after leaving a career with GM back in the 90’s, and fretting about serving the Lord and how, you took me to lunch and I will never forget what you said after listening to my meandering vision. You said to go to Habakkuk 2:2–3 which, to this day, I share with people how this instruction made clear where my compass should be pointed from the valley. Congratulations on a stellar career/ministry, the lives you have helped, and the example you continue to set in applying principles learned, taught, and walking. Alphonso