Sometimes the people who lead the best don’t even realize they’re doing it.
This weekend, I saw that firsthand.
My son had his first confirmation class, and a major snowstorm rolled in right as we were supposed to be heading home. Since it was also the fourth Sunday of the month, he was scheduled to serve as an acolyte. The plan was simple: attend church, let him serve, and then head home before the weather worsened.
When I told Reverend Nicholas Hood III that my son would need to miss class, he didn’t hesitate.
He offered to take my son to confirmation himself—and then drive him home afterward, even though it meant a 31-mile drive in the middle of a snowstorm.
The class only has three students, and he didn’t want my son to miss a session. I was genuinely taken aback by the generosity.
He followed through exactly as promised.
My son had a great class.
And he made it home safely.
It reminded me that pastors and reverends often lead this way naturally. It’s part of their calling—showing up quietly, removing obstacles, and putting people first without expecting recognition.
Moments like this stay with you.
Leadership isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it’s simply choosing to show up for someone when it would be easier not to.