I couldn’t help but think last evening of the difference between being “hard headed” and “hard hearted.”  I am on the Board of a local non-profit.  A Board member had resigned, and the Board was discussing the acceptance of the resignation.

Probable the most important characteristic this lady brought to the Board was a compassionate heart.  She kept the “human cost” of all decisions before the Board at all times.

Now there’s no denying the fact that the Board must be hard-headed in many of its decisions.  Money is tight, the rules are many, everyone has their own idea regarding the best means to our end, and we have a fiduciary responsibility to the donors.  We need a ‘forehead of flint.’

But we need to keep in mind at all times that all decisions affect people – each with their own hopes, need, and desires.  A soft heart that listens to them, and chooses the best outcome (for everyone) in human terms is, ultimately, the reason we are on the Board.  Love for our “neighbor” is as important here as everywhere else.

May I ever keep that in mind.

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