am I Dark?

I have a very good friend named Ken. He is one of the smartest guys I know. I met him last year when we were looking for an office space and we became friends. He said something to me last week that has been rolling around in my soul. He said “we need leaders who are filled with hope; no one wants a dark leader.” He followed up with “Scott sometimes you are dark”. His comment about being dark was not one toward evil but toward being positive. He said that I can be too dark at times.
What struck me was that I don’t think of myself as dark. I see myself as someone who leads with courage and hope. But this past year I have been more self aware of my personal struggles and short comings. So I am taking Ken’s observation to heart and choosing to change the scope of my outlook.
This year I have discovered that God’s call is good even in the dark and His promises are true even in trials. God is good and He is the one who gives us purpose. I believe that greatest work of my life is before me and I will choose to live in such a way that makes Jesus famous. I will not look back on missed opportunities with regret but with understanding and I will chart my future course following the twisting adventure filled trails of the God who is not seen but always there. I will lead like Jesus who is the light of the world and in Him is no darkness.
I have a friend named Ken and he was right. I am thankful for friends who love me enough to tell me the truth.