Some of the most meaningful people in my life are those who walked with me in the hard times and encouraged me in the better times. More often than not, these highly valued people are not well known or frequently celebrated, but their influence has shaped my heart, soul, and mind. They are not wallflowers, but they also do not need to be centre stage. Their authenticity, genuine care, availability, and attentiveness made them people who earned a special place in my life – they influence me and their words carry a lot of weight. Their influence does not necessarily come from a desire to be influential, but is born out of a deep character, and a reservoir of wisdom that comes from a consistent life of grace.
Many people want to lead, to be a change-maker or power-broker. Many people want to be influential, but it is a tricky pursuit. The kind of lasting influence that changes lives, cities, and neighbourhoods emerges so rarely from sheer enthusiasm, anger, or zeal. Many will burst on the scene looking to take the reigns, but few are equipped to take the long ride. More often, it takes a journey of the heart to truly shape the kind of influencers we most often need. In politics, business, or family life, forcing your view may be the fastest way to get what you want, but people of character-matured influence are people of patience. They build genuine connections, seek peace, and advocate for the wisest way forward. They love their enemies, seek allies, and always pursue the wellbeing of their neighbours. This is not an easy road, but it is a good road.
It has been said that we should never confuse getting attention with having influence. The first in line, the loudest, the flashiest, or the angriest person in the room is not necessarily the person who truly betters the culture of a work project, sports team, or committee. People of influence rise to the occasion and live a life shaped for making their community a better place.
Dr. John G. Steakhouse, a professor of mine, recently spoke at the Conservative Party of Canada Convention in Vancouver. He spoke about the deep importance of loving neighbours and enemies alike. He said, “We cannot escape each other. We are in the same ecosystem. Everyone is, in fact, our neighbour. So treat everyone well. “Love your enemies” isn’t sentimental: It’s good politics.”
When we become people of character who solve problems in our city and neighbourhoods by stepping into all challenges with an eye for loving our neighbours and enemies, we change the tone of the whole conversation. Those who bring grace, wisdom, compassion, peace, and respect to the table are the kinds of influencers every street, neighbourhood, and city needs. It is not out of some fluffy sentimentality that we celebrate the people of character who shape the culture of our city in quiet, beautiful, and unseen ways. In fact, those true people of peace who care for the fabric of Chestermere with kindness and consistency are the real influencers.
Everyone needs a character-matured person in their corner. Better yet, we can each become one.
