That’s Just The Way We Like It

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

“Carol, I think we have a problem.” The panicked tone of voice spoke volumes; we indeed had a problem amid the ten other problems all vying for our fearless leader’s attention moments before three thousand women descended upon the convention center for a two-day conference.

I’ve learned so much about faith-filled leadership from Carol Lund, but her intentional calm in uncertainty and complete chaos ranks at the top of my list. Anyone privileged to volunteer under Carol for any length of time has heard her calm statement in the face of panic: “And that’s just the way we like it.”

For as long as I’ve known Carol, that has been her response—after a pause and with a wry smile—before launching into problem-solving mode, and we’ve all adopted it. Anytime the unexpected happens, you’ll hear a collective pause before we all simultaneously chime in with “And that’s just the way we like it.” Then we draw a deep breath, remember that our event has been prayed over for months, and find a solution. It breaks the tension, allowing us to move quickly past disappointment and frustration, and propels us into grace-filled solution finding rather than leaving us to assign blame or wallow in dismay over what was supposed to happen.

Isn’t it amazing how eight little words can trigger an immediate attitude readjustment, shifting the atmosphere for an entire group of people from chaos and frustration to peace and mercy? I am so grateful for Carol’s example of intentionally resetting the tone in a room without diminishing the issue.

“And that’s just the way I like it” has become my version of this phrase, a shortcut I whisper over situations and people, remembering that God is not surprised by the turn of events I’m facing and that he is both good and trustworthy.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Develop your own version of Carol’s motto, trying it out as a way to reset your attitude when faced with difficulty.