Working alone is rarely much fun. The results of one’s efforts are reasonably predictable and it is hard to surprise yourself along the way. Being part of a team is totally different! The journey rarely goes according to script and the outcome, if the individuals involved fulfill their roles as team members, often radically exceeds expectations.
Nothing I have just suggested is that different from many self-help or motivational writers. I do believe that our willingness to examine our roles and responsibility should not stop at this point; we should be willing to examine our efforts. Are we willing to examine the “I” part of our contributions? Do we realize that “I” could be significantly stronger, more effective, and more consistent than it is today?
God makes a clear promise. “Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each morning, alert and responsive as I start my day’s work.” (Proverbs 8.34)
My experience with this promise confirms that my efforts in sync with God’s work results in something completely beyond imagination and control! Things happen. The outcome is far beyond expectations and predictions. The key is lies in working as a team member with God and letting the Presence do her part in our lives. When that happens we bring far more than ourselves to any relationship!
At this point there is always a “yes, but…” thought that creeps into your mind and mine. First, we often struggle to have this experience. We talk about it, we even imagine it, but we just do not experience it. Second, we often wonder if God really cares about the details. We want to believe, but the harshness of life played out through the homeless, wars, discrimination, unemployment, and struggling to pay the bills often pulls in a cloud of doubt. Third, I am often tired in the morning. What difference does a few moments of thought really make anyways?
Answers come with and through one’s experience with God. As I seek and demand God’s involvement, I find Her permeating life everywhere!
