leadership continuity

I finished reading 1 & 2 Kings.  Depressing story.  But I wonder how the story might have been different if (1) King Saul had not spent the end of his reign trying to kill David, and (2) if King David had not waited until his deathbed to announce Solomon as successor.  How much political turmoil would have been avoided throughout the following centuries in Israel's history? 

It seems to me that there is a benefit to having a period of overlap/transition in leadership in which the successor is truly in charge, but the predecessor can still serve as wise counsel to the successor.  What if King Saul and King David had implemented such a precedent?

How can I take inventory of the leadership positions in which I serve and wisely cultivate successors to step into leadership before I move on?

Father, thank you for your plans to prosper us.  Jesus, thank you for making us friends of God and co-reigners with you.  Holy Spirit, thank you for giving me wisdom and guiding me in my decisions.  Show me how to be a better leader.  I love you, and I pray in the name of Jesus.

gentleness

Yesterday morning, I felt like wanted to tell my sons that I want them to be strong yet gentle, and passionate yet strategic.  I tried to explain this to Beau and Jude on the way to school yesterday.

Last night, we went to the celebration for Jume's life.  During worship, I felt a conviction that I want to "preach" the truth without words to my children through being gentle with them, and that "preaching without words" will be "louder" and more clear than any Sunday morning preaching that I have ever done.  In fact, I believe that by honoring Christ through gentleness with my children will increase the power of my regular preaching.

Father, thank you for your gentleness toward me.  Jesus, thank you for your example of strength and gentleness.  Holy Spirit, thank you for leading me to follow Jesus's example.  I love you, and I will honor you with my whole life.