Response

“They called the apostles back in.  After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off.  The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name.”  (Acts 5.41)
An individual's response to a given situation tells a story of self-awareness and true values held within.  Often, the story unfolds within warning or editorial controls and filters.  In short, it just happens.  For the keep observer, it is a chance to study what it means to be alive.  It also provides the platform for capturing potential insights into one's personal journey.
I watch a negotiation unfold.  The transaction that was initially going to take a day turned into something quite different.  First, it played out over a much longer period.  Second, even though all the elements seemed to be the right ones, the mix did not come together in a way that anyone initially anticipated.  Third, no matter how prepared one party thought they were, the next step always seemed to bring a surprise.  Even when everything was done, surprises still kept emerging.  In my observations of the various players on stage, I found myself caught in several very different story lines.  As different as they were, I did find myself reflecting on the following lessons. 
First, what I see is rarely the same as what others see. Second, what may seem initially as a bad turn can be a unique opportunity.Third, keeping my eyes on the real goal is always important. 
As I folded the important aspects of my life into the lessons, I found myself wondering if I have understood how God looks and reacts to my journey.  God acts as if I am one of her/his kids.  God reaches out to me in love, in every moment.  God's ideal outcome is that I fully and completely live life today, ultimately finding myself restored to my intended design and purpose.  Today I will live out my response to this unfolding story.