When I begin to serious talk about my work with someone outside of the business one can see the glaze quickly beginning to form on the eyes. It happens even when the person is part of the cause. If they do not have the right background and experience going into the conversation it is highly unlikely that they will after our exchange. The challenge lies in how to simple convey ideas, concepts, and things underway with someone who isn’t in the know.
I often find myself confused. Politicians wax on while many of us sit puzzling over the story they seem to be describing. Scientists describe their current work and I sit puzzled, wondering how anyone can understand what is being said. Words and sentences do not automatically result in communication. More details are not always helpful and illuminating. Passion does not always clarify what confuses the outsider.
The different areas that fit in the category is lengthy. It goes on right up and through God. Why did certain things happen? How is it that this story tells of God’s compassion and love? What about the things to come?
I can see myself writing the words from the vision as John did. “I looked—I saw a white horse. Its rider carried a bow and was given a victory garland. He rode off victorious, conquering right and left.” (Revelation 6.2)
The story doesn’t end here, but are more words helpful if I am supposed to understand everything? I often miss the point. Just because I do not understand at the moment doesn’t mean there isn’t a plan, God isn’t engaged, and I do not have a role. God ripped off the seal. God created a word that is engaged in creating even more ideas, beauty, and love. We have lost part of the story and God is working to bring us back. We will not always understand as things happen yet in the end we will know everything!
Until then we have a mission of love and compassion. Press and press on! Struggle and struggle more.