Put Down the Leash

Leadership

I had to introduce Louie to a new dog sitter. His standard option was unavailable for a few days of travel coming up, so we found a backup option and set up a time for them to meet. Now, being a 15-year-old Golden with as much stubbornness and attitude as age, he doesn't trust just anybody. (Shocker, an elderly male has opinions about people.) So typically, he proceeds with caution, or at least until you give him a treat or a scratch.

As I opened the door, I let the old boy just walk out and do his stuff. I followed along, explaining that while we have a leash, we don't use it. Yes, we live on a busy street, but he knows where he is going and stays where he belongs (unless a cute little white Golden female saunters by, then in typical boy fashion, he loses his mind and tries to impress).

I walked around to a few of his favorite spots, and he just followed. Sniffing around, leaving his calling card, and taking in the fresh air, completely void of concern or anxiety. He trusts me and chooses to be by my side. That's how authentic relationships should be. Unleashed.

"You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart." (1 Peter 1:22)

In Dr. Henry Cloud's book, "Why I Believe", he talks about genuine love being unleashed. It has to be a choice. It can't be some manipulated emotion or forced connection. Sincere love and relationships must be off the leash. Voluntary.

So often, relationships seem forced. Trust me, I've had more than my share of situations where I felt like I was either the dog on the leash or the one doing the pulling. Neither is healthy, and never does it work.

Chuck Knoll, the former coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, would remind his team regularly that mercenaries will outperform the draftees, but the volunteers will crush them both. It's a matter of the heart. If you're paid to do something, you'll do it better than if you are forced to. At least there's something in return. But those who make the choice to do it without coercion or expectation will always have far superior results. It's got to be unleashed.

This principle applies to family, teams, and business relationships. If you're in it just for the money or obligation, good luck when conflict arises. It'll be so long, sucker, or feel like chewing on glass. If you're in it out of genuine love and desire to serve, there's no hill you can't climb together and no offense that will trip you up.

Get off the leash or let go of it, and discover what sincere love is.

When Jesus got off the cross and was unleashed to the world, everything changed. Following is a choice, it has to be off the leash.