“The great fact to remember is that the trend of civilization itself is forever upward” (Peabody, E, as cited in Watson, 1951, p. 281). This insightful quote also depicts the title of the story from Watson’s (1951, pp. 281-287), which I have chosen for the concluding part of the light from many lamps assignment. This story was inspired from the words of a renowned educator – Endicott Peabody, who sought how best to impart his students with words that should give them hope for the future. Little did the educator know that those words would eventually affect the thought process of so many of his former students including the former American President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, so positively in their adult lives. How valuable it so appears for educators whom asides parents, are arguably among the first generation of leaders that most young people often encounter in the lives.

The story highlights the tendency of many people to think about the future with much despair, as a result of current challenges or situations which they might be experiencing. As is evident from historical accounts described in the story, many people from past generations, especially those who managed to survive the French and American revolutions, felt the end of the world was imminent, and there was nothing else to live for. Thankfully, there were a few who saw things differently and used the moments of relative peace after the war, to do extraordinary and tangible things. Thanks to them and their actions, the chaos of the time among other factors, eventually paved the way for the industrial age, technological revolution, the information age, the age of computing and artificial intelligence among others which we enjoy today. Based on this, a key lesson which I found in the story is the importance of approaching and appraising all of life’s events. Not only from a what seems apparent at the moment, but also by forming a long-term perspective of how what appears immediately evident, could eventually give rise to other occurrences or situations within the more important or greater scheme of things. Ultimately, what counts is the capacity to bring the mental attitude of courage, faith and sound principles to bear in every situation of life.

Applying this lesson to my leadership context, I am able to appreciate better the importance of applying foresight amidst every situation I experience as a leader by continually envisioning what the future could look like and taking relevant actions which include inspiring and motivating oneself and others towards actualizing the future. I can recollect vividly how that the challenges which my non-profit organization experienced as a result of being overly dependent on third-party hospitals caused us to re-think our outreach programs. Today, we are already building a hospital through which we can better serve the peculiar needs of women and children in line with our vision. Indeed, regardless of how the present appears, whether filled with bliss or chaos, as a leader my actions and decisions should be channelled in such a manner that while I solve the problems or enjoy the bliss of the moment, I must not lose sight of the immense opportunities which some of these situations could hold for the future. Paraphrasing a quote from the Bible, I conclude with the words, all things work together for the ultimate good of all.

References

Watson, L.E (1953). Light from many lamps. Simon and Schuster Inc.