Leading from the Middle

As advertised in my blog postscript, I am a doting grandfather and Poppi! With four grown children and twelve grandchildren, we have been able over the years to make several observations about these family members based upon their birth order. Those firstborns have tended to be high achievers (if not over achievers!), perfectionists, and sometimes, bossy leaders! The youngest of their families are happy, predictably spoiled, and love the spotlight!

Charlie - Stepping Up... Again!!

What about the middle child or the one I have always observed as the “most well-adjusted” of them all? As a confrontive, competitive firstborn, I am thankful to have married a well-adjusted, adaptable second born! It is a blessing, too, that Monique brings harmony and common sense to our relationship and family! She is the “glue” that holds us all together!

While I am devoted to each of our children, (spouses included!) and grands, I have come to champion, in special ways, those in the “middle” of their families by birth order. They often work on our behalf behind the scenes caring for others in practical ways. They are committed to blessing and unifying us.

Here are a couple of recent examples of how I have seen our “middle ones” stepping up and leading from the middle position. When our middle son learned that his nephew was looking for a summer internship, he called a former employer to engage them about any local opportunities. Within a week, that nephew had a paid summer internship in his field of study!

Another “middle one” has joined his older brother and dad in their lawn and landscape business over the summer. Charlie just turned twelve in January, and he is now stepping up to do his share by servicing customer yards on the zero-turn radius! He’s not only skilled out in the yard but has been honing his cooking skills for some time now by preparing quick meals for his hungry siblings. This middle child is a servant to his family and they appreciate him greatly!

Miriam was a notable middle child in the Bible. She was the sister of Aaron and Moses. It was Miriam who was dispatched to watch over her baby brother, Moses, as he precariously floated down the Nile in a pitch-coated basket as God providentially guided him into the care of an Egyptian princess (Exodus 2:1-10).

Miriam partnered with Aaron, her brother, and High Priest, to lead Israel as a prophetess. Through dance and timbrels (instrumental music), she led a “women’s victory celebration” after the miracle crossing of a flooded Red Sea when Israel was delivered from four-hundred years of slavery at the hands of the Egyptians.

She sang the Song of Moses, with this memorable refrain, “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him!” (Exodus 15:1-2).

There are many ways to lead. Some are out front and get a lot of attention. Others “lead from the middle” and often behind the scenes. Both ways show authentic leadership, and both are a blessing! Let’s lead and serve, regardless of birth order, as God has designed for us to do. By this, we will fulfill His spiritual giftedness and providential plan for our lives!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
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