When I meet people who have done the impossible I find myself sitting in awe at what seems to be natural. There are exceptions to the rule, however most of the time the achievers come across as humble, almost servant like in their approach to life, and often simple. When I want to talk about their adventure they are willing to the point where it becomes personal, then things go quiet.
What makes the difference? What happened in the conversation that took a bubbly description into reflective silence?
I would like to suggest that each of us have been challenged with the impossible. It does not matter if the challenge comes out in work, at home, or in personal growth; the challenge remains central to our journey. For some the challenge is as straightforward as living each day as an active contributor. It is easy to question why this should be impossible; if only we had journeyed in their shoes! If this were possible then, and only then, could we see how difficult things appear to be. For others, it is climbing mountains, delivering impossible projects on-time and under budget, and capturing a emotion, moment or phrase on paper.
In my steps I am being asked to deliver a set of business goals within a set timeframe that defies what any other institution has ever accomplished. It is easy to talk about the challenge, the approach the team is taking, and the success we have achieved to date. What is more difficult is why I think we are achieving where others did not. It is not as if I have anything that you cannot have; but there may be differences.
“Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground.” (Proverbs 14.18)
Buried in these phrases is the keys I hold in faith. One approach trusts in deception, confusion, and blindness; the other walks hand in hand with others, trusting teamwork, and relying on that belief that by working towards God’s priorities and values we all win.
Which is magic?
