I thought I had every alternative analyzed. I had been through the decision trees, walked through the alternatives and scenarios, I had even sought out someone who thought very differently than I did, wanting to try and view how people might respond in order that I could be prepared. It is important to realize that this preparation was for the role of facilitator, there was no obvious right or wrong answer, good or bad choice, I was preparing to defend. I just wanted to be prepared as a good facilitator.
The morning of our discussion group was bright, sunny, and there was a light breeze. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits! As we kicked of the discussion I was sure I was in reasonable control and my work was going to show itself as things unfolded. The questions were presented in three layers. First layer brought answered well within my range of analysis and possibilities. The second phase affirmed the disciplines of the first. The third came in; I had no answer. The group had chosen something I had never imagined in my dreams or in my nightmares.
How do you deal with the unexpected and unpredictable? What do you do when life throws you something you could not imagine possible? Do you think you have anything figured out?
Be careful. There are many things, some bad while others are quite good that are different from what we think must be true, factual, and possible.
On Wednesday morning I discovered that I was living with one foot in the past and one in the future; during the process I was missing the amazing wonder of the present. I was so confident of my analysis that I knew with total confidence what was going to unfold. How little I knew, how much I might have missed.
The Spirit guided response then and now is this. Listen, experience, live life fully and completely in the moment that is present.
“‘I am he,’ said Jesus. ‘You don't have to wait any longer or look any further.’” (John 4.26)
