How lucky I am

Wow it's been awhile.
And it's been REALLY busy.
What some of you know and probably a few of you don't is that the Midwest Region of my denomination did a really crazy thing.
They elected me president.
If they only knew.
Anyway yesterday was my first meeting. I have to admit I was nervous. Would I stumble, look confused or just plain blow it?
Well I'm not really sure how I did, but the people that can answer that is the subject of this entry.
I am convinced that a leader is only as good as the people that surround him.
If that is indeed true, I'm going to look really good.
I am going to introduce them to you.
VP Fred, Fred is a guy that I think is going to work out great. He asked questions and seems very interested in what is going on. He wants to see the region get better, and that is a quality that I like.
Clerk Stan, I have not know Stan very long but I instantly liked him, he has that sense of humor that I love, and he has a gentle heart. He thinks before he speaks, which is a quality that can be in short supply in this day and age.
Director Bob, Bob is so complex I'm not sure were to start. I would say he is a friend that has a billion things running through his head at any one time. Bob may have his faults, but he wants the region to improve. Sometimes the way he does things rubs people the wrong way, but he is willing to work.
Don, Don is new to the group, but I can tell he is a sharp guy. He didn't say much, but I thought what he did say was good stuff.
Andy, Andy would admit that he is a tecno-geek. He is smart and is a detail person, that can laugh. What a concept.
Donetta, One of two ladies in our group. Donetta is a pretty sharp gal herself and will tell you what she thinks.
Brian, My good friend, who is head of our church planting commission. If you were to pick a guy for church planting, Brian has all the tools. He has a strange ability to understand culture and it's shifts. He is more concerned about growing the kingdom than denomination growth, and that's cool with me. He is my sounding board and reminds me to think outside of the box.
Mark, If there was one guy that I was worried about, it was Mark. This guy can preach the paint off the walls. His church has grown to 900 and he is an evangelist that can pastor. A rare gift. I hope he can tolerate me leading, I know it has to be tough on such a strong leader to let someone else drive the horses. If he can put up with me, he will be a major asset.
Randy, Randy is the new head of our church and pastor relations. This commission has been, in the past, the most disappointing. Randy is a breath of fresh air, and I like the direction he wants to take this group. I am expecting great things from him.
Sandi, Sandi wasn't in the meeting, but I have been in them with her before. Sandi is head of our cross cultural ministries. Sandi has a heart for missions and is always thinking of them and their well being.
Dave, My pastor, and the quiet one. This is the guy that I never know what he is thinking, but I do know this, he can pick apart financial stuff, which is more than I can do.
Ned, Finally our treasurer, and I guy I would trust with my savings. Ned is unique for treasurer because he wants you to spend money. His idea is that if your not spending money, your not doing anything. He wants you to submit plans and goals, not just budget numbers.
Pretty cool huh?
Finally I have to say the human that helps me the most isn't even on the board. That person is my wife, who puts up with the phone calls, and the time it takes away from her. She is part of my inner circle and she will tell me what's on her mind. God gave me a help mate, and she has been just that.
For the next two years (Lord willing) I will be able to work with this group.
And I'm sure I couldn't pick better people if I tried.