I have always loved summer time. I guess it goes back to carefree days of no school, baseball and the ice cream truck. Yeah, I said it…the ice cream truck. There was something special about a beat-up old van that played a familiar tune and served my favorite food. No matter where I was at when I heard that music, in the house, swimming in the neighbor’s pool or playing whiffle ball down the street, I dug into my pockets, or my moms, and headed for the curb. Then I would sit there and try to guess what street the truck was on and impatiently wait for my cold treat. Sometimes I would even pace from mailbox to mailbox while I waited.

There was one day I will never forget. Just like any other day I heard the redundant jingle, rounded up my 50 cents and head out to wait for the truck. I waited, and waited and waited. But the truck never came. I heard it going through our neighborhood. I knew it was near, but it never came down our street. I remember the panic that that set in. What was I going to do? What was I going to eat? Was the ice cream man mugged by the preschoolers two streets over? Needless to say, the truck never came down my street. I listened as that familiar jingle slowly faded into the warm summer evening.

That was an early lesson in disappointment. A vivid memory of someone letting me down…and I didn’t like it. Unfortunately, throughout my life I have felt that same feeling on many occasions. A toy I didn’t get for Christmas, a failed test when I studied so hard, the loss of my first love, a poor decision that led to trouble or hurt feelings, a coach who let me down, a friend that turned his back, a failed project at work, a dad who walked out or a family member who died. I could go on and on, as I am sure you could. Some would say, “Disappointment is just a part of life.” I guess they’re right? And it seems sometimes that the harder you try and the more you do life keeps sending wave after wave of disappointment your way. I think those waves are magnified when we accept the role of a leader.

If you are like me, you are a pretty driven person. You don’t settle for anything but the best and you expect the same for the people that serve with you. You have high standards because you have a high calling. That is completely understandable. But the reality is, you are going to fail, people are going to fail you and things don’t always go your way. That is disappointing, but just part of it. The true test of a leader is how they deal with disappointment.

How many great leaders dealt with disappointment? I guess the easier question really is how many didn’t? I think it’s in those moments of disappointment where truly great leaders are forged.

I am often reminded of Jesus’ tremendous leadership ability…especially in the face of disappointment. How many times do you think Jesus was disappointed? I know this may be my human perspective but…The disciples not getting it, people around him always wanting him to do things for them, religious leaders attacking Him, people turning their backs and not believing, Judas selling him out, Peter not acknowledging him, the crowd selecting him over a murderer, and his father remaining silent as Jesus died. That’s a tough pill to swallow! All the disappointment in the world would not deter Him from completing his mission. “Come on! That’s Jesus. I am not Jesus.” Yes, but He demonstrated four leadership qualities that we could all remember the next time your ice cream truck passes you by and threatens to derail you as a leader.

1) Jesus knew His mission. It was clear and concise; simple to communicate.
2) He had a well though out plan. Every detail was planned. Nothing was left to chance. He followed the plan and did not let people, problems or circumstances detour him.
3) He built a team. Jesus did not begin His ministry until He built his team. Then He did no ministry without His team. His team helped keep Him focused on His mission and His plan.
4) He realized He was responsible to people, not for people. Jesus could not make decisions for people. He could not force them to do what He wanted them to do. He could not hinder them from disappointing Him. If Jesus couldn’t, do you think you can? No way! Jesus knew He could lay out his mission, the plan and the team, but there are always going to be those who disappoint.

Being a leader is tough. Disappointments will come and go. But the successful leaders are those who forge ahead and don’t let the disappointments hinder their mission.

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