True leaders seem to be able to see their own faults, or at least allow their own faults and brokenness be revealed. Based upon the prayer of St. Ephraim that follows, he appears to have been able to pursue being a true leader. Paul Williams - not so much. Here is the prayer in an English translation.
"O Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of laziness, meddling, self-importance and idle talk. Instead, grace me, Your servant, with the spirit of modesty, humility, patience, and love.
Indeed, my Lord and King, grant that I may see my own faults, and not condemn my brothers and sisters, for You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen."
I find it not surprising that during and after I said this prayer, I realized how much of my "self talk" and thoughts are similar to the first part of St. Ephraim's prayer. Left to my own devices, "a spirit of laziness, meddling, self importance and idle talk" permeates my being as well as my actions each day.
It seems easier to allow this to happen than to say this prayer, become aware of my own self-centeredness, and brokenness, and ask God to give me the grace to "see my own faults, and not condemn my brothers and sisters".
Realizing that some of my own spirit of laziness, meddling, self-importance and idle talk had been manifest earlier today in interactions with my wife and children, I have written this on a 3 by 5 card and stuck it in my pocket. It seems a good "touchstone" to help me change.
How do you find yourself trying to change to be a true leader, like St. Ephraim?
