The Behavioral Citizen

Across the country, early November is soon upon us. The time to vote. The time to participate 'community' like at no other time of the year.

I'm sure where you live is similar to what we face here in the Toledo region; a tough economy, mortgage failure, foreclosure increases, families in trouble like never before ... and the list goes on.

All of this, mind you, on top of what has been a steady disintegration of hope and trust within our community emotion regarding most sectors including church and government.

And so, during this time of year as early November approaches and the voting booths fire up, all manner of men and women clamor for our attention; 'elect me' 'I'm the answer' 'I'm the leader you're looking for' ... most of us are tired before we get tired. A particular fatigue comes on us in the daily grind and exposure to the cry for our vote from someone we've never heard of.

Everyone knows, whether we use the exact language or not, that most towns, cities and regions are experiencing on various levels a leadership vacuum. The pull of that vacuum is intense. So intense that it can, and will, pull anyone into it - and I mean anyone.

At no other time in our history is there more impetus and opportunity for a people who live in a country where the statement 'for the people, by the people' can be capitalized on. We seem to have distilled that statement to participation in government ... which it certainly is. But what about the behavior of 'for the people, by the people'?

There is, at least in our town, a serious leadership vacuum at many levels of government. So, you may certainly view yourself as someone who may participate in filling that vacuum with yourself as a candidate or as a voter of a candidate.

But what about you, the behavioral citizen in your neighborhood, community, workplace and family? Where does the behavior of for the people, by the people behave in your spheres of influence apart from government? Is there a tangible responsibility you've discovered for yourself in filling the leadership vacuum around you?

While a belief in being governed by proper leadership from people we respect and honor is critical, a for the people by the people mindset stimulates a certain behavior of ownership.

Here's today's question; Are you the leader that fills the leadership vacuum around you?

Early November will come and go. Perhaps the citizenry will establish in government through this round of elections the kind of leaders we can be proud of and serve. Perhaps the citizenry will elect leaders that will continue taking our communities down the wrong path.

Either way, you and I living in a for the people by the people and as a behavioral citizen will continue to stand ... and filling the vacuum establish for ourselves and on behalf of others the healthy and whole of God

Dan
A Runner