Day 9: Share the Moments

Jesus performed legendary miracles—raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, healing the sick, calming storms, feeding thousands, and more! But the first miracle recorded in the Gospel of John seems…out of place.

Jesus turned water into wine.

Wait, what? Of all the miracles He could’ve performed to introduce His ministry, why choose this one? It’s like watching a star dunker go for a simple finger roll, or an elite golfer settle for a 225-yard drive. It is unexpected and seemingly underwhelming.

Why not start with something “bigger”? Something incredible? Something with more visible impact?

If you're like me, you've probably read about how turning water into wine was divine foreshadowing and a demonstration of Jesus' power down to the molecular level. These answers are insightful, and the articles are eye-opening; however, I believe the answer is simple: Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding because the wedding host ran out of wine.

He met the current need.

The host of the wedding at Cana had run out of wine (John 2:1–11). Jesus' mother noticed the issue and brought it to His attention. Though it wasn’t a crisis of life or death, it mattered in that moment. So, Jesus responded.

This wasn’t just a miracle. It was a moment.

We tend to undervalue "ordinary" moments. But Jesus shows us that upside-down leadership isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about being present enough to recognize others' everyday needs and meet them with grace, humility, and intention.

So, how can we be fully present leaders who share the moment and meet the need?

1. Seek Closure to Create Presence

Before you can be fully present with others, you must first clear your mind and heart. Leave your last conversation in the past. Finish what you started. Develop a closure ritual that allows you to physically and mentally transition into the next moment.

For example, after finishing a task, a meal, or a conversation, say a prayer, stretch, or move to a different space. Attach a physical cue to mental clarity to fully show up for your team, family, or mission.

2. Structure Your Day…and Your Desk

A leader with a cluttered desk or distracted mind struggles to recognize what matters in the moment. Structure breeds clarity. Consider implementing C.C.T.V.

• Checklists: The act of checking a box releases dopamine and builds momentum.
• Clocks: Block your day into segments of focused attention.
• Timers: Use countdowns to create urgency and limit distractions.
• Voices: Listen to wise counsel—yours and others’. Assign accountability partners and accept feedback.

This level of structure allows you to be present without being overwhelmed.

3. Get Your Hands Dirty

Jesus didn’t just attend the wedding; He participated. Likewise, we’re not called to watch from the sidelines. Join your team, work the line, attend family events, listen intently, laugh, and celebrate.

This doesn’t mean we ignore the big picture. It means we understand that inspiration is built in the small moments. Being in the room isn’t enough. Presence leads to impact.

4. Lead the Room

You don’t have to be the smartest person at the table, but you have to gather the smartest people and empower them to act. Jesus didn’t need a crowd to affirm Him. He simply acted. He didn’t hesitate to lead, even when the need seemed small. He saw the moment, understood its significance, and moved.

Leadership Lesson:

Jesus didn't turn water into wine to impress, but to bless. In doing so, He transformed a fleeting moment into an eternal principle: Great leaders recognize the need and meet it.

Be fully present, even in joyful, ordinary moments.