"There are times when the leader just has to make it happen."

In November 2004, my friend and well-known preacher Dr. Tony Campolo received a call from former president Bill Clinton, asking Tony to pray at the opening of his Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas the coming week.

"Mr. President," Tony responded. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm speaking at a series of banquets for Tyndale University College & Seminary in Canada."

That seemed to be the end of the matter.

Twenty minutes later, Tony received a call from the White House.

"Dr. Campolo. This is George Bush. I need you to pray at the opening of the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas next week."

Tony outlined the problem with timing that he had told Bill Clinton just minutes earlier. This time, however, Tony knew he couldn't refuse a request from his president.

"Tony, give me the closest airport to your dinner on the Wednesday evening."

That night after our Tyndale dinner in Kitchener, we drove south to Hamilton. As we pulled into the Hamilton Airport at 10 pm, there on the tarmac was a jet waiting to take Tony to Little Rock.

There are times when the leader has no option but to make it happen.

Prayer—
Father, I recognize my calling and responsibility. Grant me your wisdom to know what needs doing now, what can wait for another day and what I alone can trigger into action. Help me not to procrastinate, but with grace and clarity of vision do what my calling and position require of me this day, in your love. Amen.