Leadership and Companionship

So this week I was confronted with the issue of leadership and companionship.  During my college days I was known to participate in the pulling of pranks.  This was a great way to develop friendships - even though a prank was pulled on you it was usually harmless and at most would involve a few minutes of clean up.  Anyway, this week I reflected on how my position in leadership pretty much has caused me to avoid most of this type of behavior.  Especially because I am a leader in the church.  

It's not like I don't have fun or I don't have friends, that is not the case...but it is true that I am now held to a higher standard than most people, and I simply cannot do the things I used to do - even if it is for fun and friendship; cause the slightest thing could cause a scandal or possibly cause me to lose my career and livelihood.  Plus, people who are in a position of authority over others can often inflict harm in the most unintended ways; which would most likely not be received harmfully by someone who was not in a position of leadership.  

Now, try not to read to much into this post.  I have simply been reflecting on my relationships and they type of intimacy that I have with others.  So let me say "It is often lonely at the top."  But, I guess it is that way for a reason.  I am not depressed or anything just reflecting on how I relate to others and how that has changed.  

Another way to think about it is maturity.  Maybe that is just the way relationships progress in life.  Maybe we find more meaningful ways to relate to others than pranks and other forms of nostalgic intimacies.  Maybe I am just growing up.  It's hard to admit that, because for so long relationships have been on the back burner because of my intense involvement in school.  Maybe I missed a step somewhere.  Who knows.