Just Vote Josh

This is happening in our home right now: J is making his campaign posters. He's running for vice president of his elementary school student council. 

For the record, I didn't suggest this. I haven't pressured him to mount a successful campaign. And I haven't told him that starting in fourth grade I ran for office of my school student council each year until I eventually won the spot as student body president in high school. When I was his age I did it simply to be in a club of leaders: I heard student council meetings were cool. When I was sixteen I did it because it seemed like the next logical step, but then I cried when I won because I was immediately uncomfortable with the pressure of being so visible. I never once did it for the glory, and I don't really think he's doing it for that reason either. In fact, his friend nudged him into this--that's the story he tells.

The twins look on offering to wear "Just Vote Josh" t-shirts on the playground. I can tell A is taking notes as she watercolors hearts onto her half-sheet. A loves being in front and is happy to be the spokesperson. I'm sure it won't be long until she's asking her teacher to be nominated as a class representative.

 E drew a diagram of a faraway planet, labeling it with the shadow of night on one side and the light of day on the other: he doesn't notice J's path yet, but he will because he loves everything his older brother does. E has his own set of leadership skills I can see forming: he's an awesome "first follower". He is passionately intense and likes a challenge.

There have been times in my life when I've truly run from leadership responsibilities and there have been other times when I've embraced the opportunities, seeing the value of occasions to lead.  However, it is undeniable that my life has been enriched by the service that is required in leadership. I hope my kids start to understand this eventually.