Embracing Humility: Unlocking Life’s Unexpected Gifts and Adventures
I am absolutely loving my study of G. K. Chesterton. In Heretics, that I am reading right now, he emphasized the profound impact that humility can have on individuals and their actions. Chesterton said, “It is the humble man who does the big things. It is the humble man who does the bold things. It is the humble man who has the sensational sights vouchsafed to him” (p. 28). He was highlighting that true greatness and significant achievements often come from those who are quietly humble, rather than boastful or seeking recognition. Chesterton wanted us to understand that humility allows us to focus on meaningful pursuits without the distractions of ego, enabling us to experience and accomplish remarkable things. He encouraged us to see value in modesty, as it can be a powerful force for genuine influence and extraordinary experiences.
At the end of the same paragraph where the quote above was taken from in Heretics, Chesterton asserts that “Adventures are to those to whom they are most unexpected — that is, most romantic. Adventures are to the shy: in this sense adventures are to the unadventurous” (p. 28). He was pointing out that true adventure often comes unexpectedly and can be especially meaningful for those who might not seek it out aggressively—nameless, shy, or unadventurous individuals. This idea ties closely to humility because it emphasizes openness and receptivity rather than arrogance or overconfidence.
This really hit home for me as a person who has never really had a life plan. Other’s I grew up with or am acquainted with now have elaborate plans with goals and benchmarks. I have never done that. I guess this speaks to the faith that Chesterton also speaks of that I believe God has a plan and I let that plan play out. That does not mean I do not have to still work hard and do my part, but I do get to let the adventure play out. I’ve never seen others’ perfect plans play out perfectly. So why not be a long-life learning, keep growing personally and professionally, and be ready for opportunity when it knocks?
When we approach life with humility, we’re more likely to recognize and embrace the surprises and opportunities that come our way, rather than forcing or controlling them. The humble person is open-minded and receptive, qualities that allow adventures—those unexpected, romantic moments—to find them naturally. In this sense, humility creates a mindset where life’s most meaningful experiences are understood as gifts rather than achievements, encouraging us to remain modest and receptive to the world’s surprises.
Embracing Constraints: How Limits Ignite Creativity and Deepen Artistic Expression
It is so exciting to be reading G. K. Chesterton, specifically Orthodoxy, right now. I love his use of examples, analogies, and metaphors. When discussing anarchism he argued that we are told to be creative artists without regard to any limits or laws. He refuted this saying, “But it is impossible to be an artist and not care for laws and limits. Art is limitation; the essence of every picture is the frame” (p. 44). Artists often thrive within certain boundaries—whether it’s the conventions of their chosen medium, societal expectations, or personal principles. These limits can serve as frameworks that inspire creativity, challenge artists to innovate within constraints, or help them communicate more effectively.
Chesterton’s quote highlights a profound insight into the nature of art: that limitation is not merely an obstacle but a fundamental component of creation. When he said, “the essence of every picture is the frame,” he emphasized that boundaries—like the frame surrounding a painting—shape and define the artwork, giving it structure and focus.
To illustrate what he meant, Chesterton gave us this example:
“If you draw a giraffe, you must draw him with a long neck. If, in your bold creative way, you hold yourself free to draw a giraffe with a short neck, you will really find that you are not free to draw a giraffe” (p. 44).
In this context, laws and limits serve as frameworks within which creativity can flourish. They help artists make deliberate choices about composition, form, and content, guiding their expression while still allowing room for innovation and transcendence. Without boundaries, art could become aimless or overwhelming, lacking coherence or impact.
Chesterton also left room for the idea that true artistic freedom often involves pushing against or transcending these limits. While the frame confines the artwork visually, the artist’s intention might involve breaking traditional boundaries, exploring new techniques, or challenging societal norms—all within or beyond existing limits. This tension between respecting constraints and daring to go beyond them fuels originality and emotional depth.
What Chesterton was suggesting is that limits are not inherently restrictive but are instead essential to all creative processes. They provide the structure necessary for meaningful expression, while the artist’s skill and imagination determine how to work within or surpass those boundaries to produce truly revolutionary art. This same idea of structure is true for us as leaders.
Whether an artist painting a picture or and artistic leader of an organization we need to push against restrictions to explore new ideas, challenge norms, and express our individuality. So, while laws and limits can guide and shape artistic expression, they don’t have to be strictly binding; sometimes, transcendence of boundaries leads to the most revolutionary art. Ultimately, whether we, as artists, should live by restrictions and limits depends on our intentions, style, and the message we wish to convey.
Leading As A Inquirer
At a leadership development gathering yesterday we discussed what it means for a leader to be an inquirer. To be an inquirer we must possess a curious and open-minded attitude, continuously seek to learn, understand different perspectives, and question assumptions.
Rather than simply barking orders or sticking rigidly to past methods, an inquisitive leader explores new ideas, listens actively to others, and is willing to challenge the status quo. This inquisitiveness fosters innovation, adaptability, and growth within our team or organization, inspiring others to think creatively and pursue constant improvement. Ultimately, an inquiring leader understands that true leadership involves ongoing learning and a willingness to explore beyond immediate answers.
What insights do you have about yourself as an inquirer? What are your strategies, assumptions, or habits?
Leading With Irrational Optimism
I am loving reading Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton right now. In my latest reading I was intrigued by his discussion of optimism. Chesterton said, “Rational optimism leads to stagnation: it is irrational optimism that leads to reform.” This was an interesting, and I believe accurate, view on change and how we make progress.
Let’s first look at rational optimism. This careful reasoning and an acceptance of the current order and rational assessment that things are generally okay, can sometimes result in complacency or stagnation. When we believe everything is fine because it makes logical sense, we might overlook the need for necessary change or improvement, leading to a static organization or society.
Conversely, irrational optimism, is characterized by a hopeful belief in the possibility of a better future, often transcending purely logical analysis. This kind of hope can inspire us to challenge the status quo, take risks, and pursue reforms, even when the reasons for doing so might not seem entirely justified from a purely rational standpoint.
In Orthodoxy, Chesterton aptly emphasized that true progress often requires irrational hope, or belief that things can be better, even when reason alone might suggest otherwise. This passionate hope fuels reform and renewal, preventing organizations and societies from becoming overly rationalized and stagnant.
Chesterton championed the idea that genuine reform arises from hopeful, even somewhat irrational, faith in the possibility of change. As leaders, we must belief that improvement is achievable, sparking movement and innovation where mere rationality might lure us to settle for the status quo.
Living With Ambiguity And Mystery
This past Saturday, I began a study of G. K. Chesterton. I am beginning my study by rereading Chesterton’s Orthodoxy. As an English writer, philosopher, and critic, G. K. Chesterton was known for his wit, literary style, and insightful commentary on religion, culture, and society. He is best remembered for his works such as Father Brown detective stories and Orthodoxy, where he explores Christian faith and the mysteries of life with humor and depth. Chesterton is also a featured author of the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College. While G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis never met, Chesterton had a huge influence on Lewis. In fact, in Surprised by Joy Lewis recalled the impact of reading The Everlasting Man by Chesterton. Lewis said of Chesterton’s essays that they “made such an immediate conquest of” him.
In Orthodoxy, Chesterton wrote, “We need so to view the world as to combine an idea of wonder and an idea of welcome. We need to be happy in this wonderland without once being merely comfortable.” With this statement he was emphasizing the importance of approaching the world with a sense of awe and appreciation, while also remaining open and receptive—what he called “welcome.” He suggested that true engagement with life isn’t about seeking comfort or complacency but about maintaining a kind of joyful wonderment. I believe this is an important leadership lesson in all we do.
Chesterton was advocating for a perspective that balances admiration and curiosity (“wonder”) with warmth and hospitality (“welcome”). This approach allows us to be genuinely happy and engaged in the mysteries and complexities of life without becoming passive or overly secure in comfort. It encourages embracing the richness of existence, appreciating its marvels, and remaining open to new experiences and truths rather than retreating into familiarity or complacency.
A great example of all this is Chesterton’s exploration of the paradoxes inherent in faith. Chesterton described how embracing paradoxes—such as Christ being both divine and human—helps us to appreciate the richness and depth of reality. Rather than simplifying complex truths into neat formulas, he encouraged us to live with ambiguity and mystery, which keeps life vibrant and meaningful. This is what I call being comfortable with being uncomfortable. I still remember as a child trying to get my head wrapped around the Holy Trinity.
The view provided by Chesterton that an open-hearted acceptance of life’s complexities enriches our experience and keeps us engaged with the world, aligns well with the idea of embracing life’s marvels without becoming passive or overly secure in comfort.
Sincerely Egotistical
The phrase “he has been forced to be egotistical only in order to be sincere” from the preface of G. K. Chesterton’s Orthodoxy suggested that Chesterton believed he must embrace certain aspects of his own personality—perhaps his individuality, strong opinions, or distinctive style—to genuinely express his beliefs and convictions.
In other words, Chesterton was implying that when someone is committed to honesty and sincerity about their worldview, they may need to highlight or even assert their own perspective strongly. This assertion might come across as egotistical, but it’s a necessary part of being truthful and authentic. So, the statement recognizes that sincerity sometimes requires one to be confidently self-assured, even if that appears egotistical on the surface.
Leaders Try Crickets
This past Wednesday night I worked with students at our annual “Dinner With A Story” during National FFA Convention, at Ulen Country Club. Chef Nick Townsend and I did this for students from Montana, Kansas, and Indiana. This is something I love doing on the Wednesday evening of convention each year. We used the FFA Convention theme of “Empower” as our throughline for the story. It was such an incredible evening as we served students a four course dinner, one of which included oven roasted crickets on salad wraps. 🦗 Yes, you heard me right – crickets. We always have something that is a little outside of the norm.
The students had some insightful reflections during the story/meal. As they said, trying new foods like crickets can contribute to feeling empowered in several meaningful ways. It encourages stepping outside of your comfort zone, which can boost confidence and foster a sense of bravery. Making a conscious choice to explore unfamiliar foods also reflects a willingness to embrace new experiences, cultivating curiosity and adaptability.
Additionally, the students recognized that sometimes not trying new foods because of preconceived notions is similar to not empowering someone due to stereotypes or biases. In both cases, assumptions prevent us from seeing the full potential—whether it’s discovering delicious, nutritious foods or recognizing someone’s capability and value. Challenging those preconceived beliefs allows for growth, open-mindedness, and the opportunity to experience positive change, whether it’s expanding your palate or fostering understanding and empowerment in others.
Trying new foods can be a metaphorical and literal act of self-empowerment by challenging perceptions, broadening horizons, and reinforcing your ability to make conscious, adventurous choices.
Leadership Outcast
The lyrics from Dorothy’s great song “Black Sheep” convey a powerful message of resilience, individuality, and unwavering self-acceptance. The first verse in “Black Sheep” goes like this: “Call me an outcast, call me a freak; Watch those bullets ricochet straight off of me; ‘Cause I belong; Where right is wrong; No lost cause like the good book say; Don’t give a damn what people think; I march alone; To a different song.” As a person who relates to being a black sheep at times, I was intrigued to dig in on the lyrics.
The song embraces the identity of an outcast or “freak,” rejecting societal judgments and criticisms symbolized by the “bullets” that bounce off them. I love that line because in my education policy life I have joked at times that it was time to put on the Kevlar jacket.
The lines “I belong where right is wrong” suggest a defiance of conventional norms and an affirmation of personal truth. By stating “No lost cause like the good book say,” they acknowledge the biblical notion that hope and redemption are always possible, reinforcing that even those perceived as outsiders can find their place and purpose.
As a Christian I did a little digging on exactly what the Bible has to say. So, the Bible doesn’t explicitly say “there is no lost cause,” but it does contain themes that suggest hope and redemption are always possible, regardless of how dire a situation may seem. Here are three of those themes:
- Luke 15:4-7 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep), in the NIV version it goes like this:
4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Jesus emphasizes that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, indicating that no one is beyond God’s mercy. - In Romans 8:38-39, Paul writes that nothing can separate us from God’s love, reinforcing the idea that hope remains even in difficult circumstances. The NIV version says,
38 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Jeremiah 29:11 says,
11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.God declares plans to give hope and a future, reassuring believers that hope persists despite setbacks.” Here, God declares plans to give hope and a future, reassuring believers that hope persists despite setbacks.
While the phrase “no lost cause” isn’t directly in the Bible, these passages reflect a core biblical principle that redemption, hope, and restoration are always within reach for those who seek them.
This all reminded me of the great show from the 1970’s, Black Sheep Squadron. I loved that show because it was inspired by a highly effective South Pacific World War II fighter squadron led by Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, played by Robert Conrad. Boyington was an outcast and unconventional, but effective leader who, along with his squadron were known as “black sheep.” Kind of interesting how any time we don’t fit the conventional and societal norms (who gets to pick those, anyway?) we are considered a “freak” or “black sheep.”
Finally, the last line of the first verse of “Black Sheep,” “I march alone; to a different song” emphasizes independence and the courage to follow one’s unique path despite opposition. Overall, the verse celebrates strength, individuality, and the idea that standing firm in oneself aligns with a deeper sense of hope and personal sovereignty.
The Allure Of Power
I just finished The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien. This is the book we are focusing on studying as Marion E. Wade Continuing Scholars at Wheaton College this year. It has been fascinating to read this book using a scholarly lens. It has also been interesting, as a person who loves to use fiction works as a learning tool, to study this book knowing that Tolkien did not like, nor use allegory. That said, there are still so many lessons to be pulled from this book. I still have several notes and reflections that may make their way into blog posts.
Today, I want to focus on a leadership lesson in a statement by Boromir at the end of The Fellowship of the Ring: “The fearless, the ruthless, these alone will achieve victory. What could not a warrior do in this hour, a great leader? What could not Aragorn do? Or if he refuses, why not Boromir? The Ring would give me power of Command. How I would drive the hosts of Mordor, and all men would flock to my banner!” I’m specifically pondering the idea of a leader putting all his faith in the power of a ring. The ring can serve as a metaphor for other sources of power or perceived power.
Boromir’s statement highlights a common temptation for leaders: the allure of power as a means to achieve victory. His belief that the Ring could bestow unmatched command reflects both his desire to protect his people and the dangerous misconception that power alone can ensure success.
The leadership lesson here is about the importance of integrity, humility, and understanding the true source of effective leadership. Relying solely on power, even if it promises immediate results, can lead to corruption and failure in the long run. Aragorn exemplifies the opposite approach: leading through wisdom, humility, and trust in a higher purpose rather than wielding power for its own sake. Aragorn, is a member of the Fellowship of the Ring. He resists the corrupting influence of power, showing great moral strength.
Boromir’s temptation serves as a reminder to us that true leadership isn’t just about exerting control or brute force but about inspiring trust, making wise decisions, and understanding the moral dimensions of power.
Leading By Starting
“‘It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish,’ as my old gaffer used to say.” The leadership lesson in this phrase from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring is that procrastination or hesitation often causes tasks to become more daunting and time-consuming than they need to be.
Effective leaders understand the importance of taking initiative and starting work promptly. By beginning sooner rather than later, we can manage challenges more effectively, maintain momentum, and reduce the risk of projects becoming overwhelming. This quote emphasizes that decisive action and early engagement are key to successful leadership and accomplishing goals efficiently.
Byron's Babbles 
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