Sometimes I have no idea what is going to happen. The situation has too many variables. There are too many unknowns. Everyone involved has their freedom; exercising it will bring unpredictable results. Increasingly, I no longer fear these situations. While I cannot say that I look forward to them, I do find that I am willing to approach the experience with an open mind.
This weekend is our first family vacation in a very long time. I had no idea what was going to happen! There was no agenda. I did not really plan anything. I decided to have several lists of the best vegetarians restaurants in town and access to my iphone and the web. Even in the middle of the weekend, I can tell that this was the best approach I could have taken. In fear of bickering, I found myself surrounded by healthy give and take. Instead of guarded boundaries, I found individuals looking out for each other and caring about how everyone’s needs were being addressed. In lieu of my worst scenario, I found myself in a family that has a good sense of what it means to work together.
The approach I took is helpful as I look to the week ahead. There are far too many unknowns to walk as if I know where things are going. You and I face uncertainties at every corner. Nothing we know in our professional lives is guaranteed. Every door contains a potential surprise.
There was a strange knock at a door in the middle of the night a long time ago. Only one person knew what to expect. The rest did not believe her and were blinded to the possibilities. “Finally they opened up and saw him [Peter] —and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down.” (Acts 12.16)
We are in a strange time, knocks coming at us from all sides. They seem terrible, but one is never sure. Opening the doors at hand, exercising our freedom to give birth to compassion, mercy, and love creates the greatest surprises.
