Happiness, Part 3?

Is it safe to continue my blog about happiness with all this turmoil in the markets?

Will it chafe to read my scratchings here about OPUS when at the same time my other Builders are blogging about “first cuts” and “deep cuts” and related matters?

At the risk of appearing “impractical” (heard that one before) and “unrealistic” (yep; that one too), allow me to offer a few thoughts about a subject we will all return to some day, sooner rather than later, God willing…

That’s HAPPINESS, defined by yours truly in the context of our vocations as “doing what you are in the service of others.”

This time, it’s all about “SERVICE TO OTHERS.”

Let me acknowledge all the leaders we know out there who are standing in the breach of this major financial and economic crisis to LEAD. We realize the seriousness of the decision you face. You have people’s livelihoods in your hands. Many of you are accountable directly for your clients’ and friends’ and families’ investments, and face the daunting task of explaining to them what is happening, and bolstering their courage at a time when your own fears may be welling up within you…

You give us courage.

Talk about “service to others”…

For those of you who are taking Chet’s advice, who have gotten up from behind your desk, turned off CNBC, and are simply BEING with your team, leading from the front, being visible and available, working the problem, pulling people together…

You give us hope.

Talk about “service to others”…

For those of you who are drawing on strong CORE values, anchored to principles of COURAGE, WISDOM, JUSTICE, and DISCIPLINE, and thereby are able to decide and willing to act…

You set an example of strength for us.

Talk about “service to others”…

For those who are looking beyond the pain of these next months, and mapping out a VISION for recovering quickly and seizing opportunities while competitors languish…

You inspire us.

Talk about “service to others”…

For those leaders who recognize that the excesses of the mad and mindless consumption of the economic run we as a people have been on, stressing our nerves, our savings, our families, our planet…and making us too comfortable with the gods of instant gratification, self-indulgence, and isolation in THINGS rather than relationships with other PEOPLE…

Bring us back together.

Talk about “service to others”…

And finally, for those of you, in the face of others’ panic, who now calmly resolve and prepare to LEAD us, our children, and their children, to a new future full of HOPE and HAPPINESS…

Sign me up.

Talk about “service to others.” Talk about OPUS!

We pray for all leaders, that they may be given COURAGE, and keep PERSPECTIVE, and share BOTH with those who look to them for direction and conviction.