Servant Leader of the Lord
By Flora Nguyen
October Leadership Retreat was definitely an experience I’ll never forget. When I first received the email saying that I was chosen to be on Young Team, I literally screamed for a good whole three minutes of shock and excitement. I am a firm believer of everything happens for a reason,” so I was just ecstatic that God had given me a chance to lead an LR. As the days became closer to the retreat, I got a little nervous about whether or not I would be a good small group leader, if I was outgoing enough for this role, or if I could live up to the expectations of a Young Team leader. But all of these thoughts went away as soon as I walked into the retreat center. This would be the third time I would return back to the Marian Shrine; I am one of few who have attended all three LRs. Every time I come back to the Marian Shrine, I feel instantly at home. If you ever get the opportunity to attend a Leadership Retreat, don’t pass it up because the Salesian environment is a great way to further develop your leadership skills.
I’ve led small retreats before but not as big of a retreat as 120 people. On OLR, I realized what being a servant leader meant. Currently holding five school office positions and being a leader for my youth group at St. John Bosco Parish, it was good to be reminded that all of this is only possible because of the grace of God. In St. John Bosco’s Way to Holiness, it says: “ I want to serve rather than be served.” I will be taking back the mentality that I am a servant leader of the Lord. We were all chosen to attend the retreat because we are leaders, but we are also called to be servant leaders. Jesus, Himself, washed the feet of his disciples. Jesus told His disciples to do this for others. “I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than its master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:16-17).
I found Jesus in the smiles and hugs I’ve received from all of the lovely people that attended the retreat. I am definitely a hugger, and receiving hugs and smiles in the morning brightened my day. We all come from different cities, walks of life, and different journeys of faith. But it just warms my heart and soul whenever the members of the Salesian family are together. We come as strangers, and leave as a family, in a timespan of four days. Blessed Mother Theresa once said, “ Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” I learned that something as simple as a hug or a smile can mean the world to someone. I will definitely take back all the hugs and smiles I received on OLR, and give them to my school as well as my community.
I’ve led small retreats before but not as big of a retreat as 120 people. On OLR, I realized what being a servant leader meant. Currently holding five school office positions and being a leader for my youth group at St. John Bosco Parish, it was good to be reminded that all of this is only possible because of the grace of God. In St. John Bosco’s Way to Holiness, it says: “ I want to serve rather than be served.” I will be taking back the mentality that I am a servant leader of the Lord. We were all chosen to attend the retreat because we are leaders, but we are also called to be servant leaders. Jesus, Himself, washed the feet of his disciples. Jesus told His disciples to do this for others. “I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than its master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:16-17).
I found Jesus in the smiles and hugs I’ve received from all of the lovely people that attended the retreat. I am definitely a hugger, and receiving hugs and smiles in the morning brightened my day. We all come from different cities, walks of life, and different journeys of faith. But it just warms my heart and soul whenever the members of the Salesian family are together. We come as strangers, and leave as a family, in a timespan of four days. Blessed Mother Theresa once said, “ Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” I learned that something as simple as a hug or a smile can mean the world to someone. I will definitely take back all the hugs and smiles I received on OLR, and give them to my school as well as my community.
