I’ve never been much of an investor when it comes to my finances.  I wish I had done better about that earlier in life.  I spent my 20’s living in the moment and not really thinking about my financial future.  I guess that’s common of a lot of people.  Fortunately, I’ve made some observations over the last few years that have caused me to be thankful for the things I DID invest in.

A society shaken by a worldwide pandemic has opened my eyes to some things.  I’ve seen people who invested in the stock market watch their net worth decrease at an alarming rate.  I’ve watched people who invested years in their career filing for unemployment.  I’ve noticed people who invested in a political candidate or ideology completely lose all hope for humanity.  I’ve taken note of ministries that invested heavily in the size of their congregation, now experiencing a drop in attendance that they would have never predicted.

Sudden losses like these; losses that impact our finances, our future, and even our egos are devastating.  Depression, isolation and despondency are often the byproducts of such negative changes.  We’ve all witnessed as society has grappled with the effects of losing jobs, money, friendships, and loved ones.  Anxiety, consternation and uncertainty eroding the foundations of our civilization, has revealed to me exactly what my greatest investment has been.  It’s an investment I’ve made for many years as a leader and one that gave me no promise of a return. It is my investment in PEOPLE that has yielded my greatest dividends.

I’ve been in a position of leadership for almost 89% of my life.  Some see my career path and may assume my position is what made me a leader; but leadership for me started waaaaaaay before Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.  In the first grade I was elected as the student council representative of my class.  This process would repeat itself every year until the 6^th grade when I was elected Student Council President of Thomas Olaeta Elementary School. In 8^th grade I was Student Body President of Cruickshank Middle School.  My Senior Year, I was elected Student Body Rally Commissioner at Atwater High.  At 19, I was beginning my ministry as a youth pastor, shepherding younger teens in Northern California.  By 20, I was running a finishing crew for Brad Moss Drywall.  At 22, I moved 35 hours away to become the Pastor of a Church plant in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  I’ve had the privilege to serve on various boards in our community.  And finally, I’ve been the General Manager of Caruth-Hale Funeral Home for almost a decade.

I said all of that to say this…I’m not the perfect leader, but I do have experience.  I’ve come to the understanding that there is more than one way to lead.  A military officer is not a pastor, and a pastor is not a 2^nd grade teacher, and a 2^nd grade teacher is not a business manager, and a business manager is not a coach…but they are all leaders.  They act differently, they respond differently, they teach differently, they discipline differently, and they show appreciation differently.  One thing they should all have in common however, is their investment in people.

I meet people from all different walks and backgrounds and lifestyles.  Here’s a few ways leaders can invest in the people they come in contact with.  Ask about where they are from, how they were raised, what their passions are.  Pray when their children are sick.  Sympathize when things in their life aren’t going according to plan.  Show concern when they make poor decisions.  Call them when they come to my mind.  Head their way when they run out of gas.  Help them pick up the shattered pieces of their lives.  Just be there.

Now looking back over the last few years of chaos and turmoil, I’ve come to realize that, while other investments had decreasing returns, this one yielded the highest dividends.  Really, there’s no way I could have survived if it wasn’t for the investment returns sustaining me.  PEOPLE have encouraged me.  PEOPLE have checked in on me.  PEOPLE have carried me when I had no strength to walk.  PEOPLE have forgiven me when I did them wrong.  PEOPLE have given to me when I was in need.  PEOPLE have driven hours to get to me when I was in trouble.

I hear often how terrible, lazy and indifferent people are, but you know what, I know some awesome people.  I’ve read that if you have one good friend in your life then you are rich.  If that’s true, then I’m a millionaire because I have consistently been surrounded by some of the greatest people in the world.  I’ve invested in people, and I have reaped the benefits.  I encourage you to do the same.