Which Reindeer Do You Want to Be?
Without a doubt, the best traditional Christmas song is Leroy the Redneck Reindeer by Joe Diffie. I know that’s a universally agreed upon fact, so I don’t need to justify my statement. If you haven’t heard this classic musical masterpiece, HERE it is.
The first two verses go like this:
Rudolph was under the weather
And had to call in sick
So, he got on the horn to his cousin Leroy
Who lived out in the sticks
He said, “Santa’s really counting on me
And I hate to pass the buck”
Leroy said, “Hey, I’m on my way”
And he jumped in his pick-up truck
When Leroy got to the North Pole
All the reindeer snickered and laughed
They never seen a deer in overalls
And a John Deere trucker hat
Well, Santa stepped in and said, “Just calm down
‘Cause we all got a job to do
And like it or not, Leroy’s in charge
And he’s gonna be leading you”
I grew up in a town of 500. I knew a lot of people who were Leroys. You know, the guys you debate about calling for help because you know they’ll be over in 10 mins to help with the question you only really needed answered over the phone. The ones who would give the shirt off their back. The ones who definitely have better things to do but choose to come help anyway. And half the time, you realized that the phone call definitely wouldn’t have been enough anyway because you’re a moron when it comes to plumbing.
But no one dreams of being Leroy. No leadership books or podcasts teach you how to be Leroy. They’re teaching you how to be Rudolph. How can you be THE guy? How can you overcome adversity and lead people? How can you solve the problems? How can you gain influence?
Now there’s nothing wrong with Rudolph. If it weren’t for him, the Charlie in the Box would still be stuck on the island of misfit toys. We need Rudolphs in this life. But we need far more Leroys.
Think back to those who have had the biggest influence on you in a moment. Those who have helped make your life what it is. Those who helped you when you were stuck. Those who might have literally helped you out of the snow bank you were stuck in. How many Leroys compared to how many Rudolphs?
For me, there’s definitely some powerhouse leaders on that list. But I can name far more stories of people whose names you’ll never know that helped me when I needed help. Those that said the right thing when I was down for the count. Those that gave up their Saturday project to help with mine. Those that listened to me complain about my struggles while they were dealing with things far more severe.
Be who God made you. If you have a flashing red nose, don’t try to be a reindeer in overalls. If God made you to wear a John Deere trucker hat, don’t be frustrated that you aren’t (usually) hooked to the front of the sleigh. But whichever you are, be the one to say “Hey I’m on my way and he jumped in his pickup truck.” That’s how you make a difference. Whether you’re a great leader or more of a follower, people will remember you for how you responded when they got on the horn.
Maybe that’s kinda what Jesus meant when he said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45).
It’s Christmas, y’all. Make it merry.