“I can see what they cannot. I know what they need to do. I also know that unless they want what I can share, there is no point in giving it to them.” (excerpt from friend’s observations about his work and those under his care)
I find that we, you, I, and others, can see what another cannot. It is not a commentary on the other. Everyone has limitations. There is always at least one viewpoint that we are not able to grasp. Others see what we cannot.
Early on, I believed that it was important that everyone know the maximum in her/his life. They deserved the right to see! We were in this together. We were a community. We were on the same side.
In my ignorance I assumed I was always willing to hear what others had to say. My assumptions went further. I thought I could see multiple views without bias. I was confident that I would always be open to new information. If I was normal, then others could or should hold the same view.
On many different levels I was unaware. The only advantage age brings is that I know I do not know! Ideally, communities and those who are members are open and trusting. In reality we live with our fears, uncertainties, and doubts. Ideally, we are always open to new ideas. In reality there is a time and place for all things. Ideally, we are looking to walk with others in a spirit of mutual learning and growth. In reality we are confident that we have arrived at some kind of destination. We hope for more while thinking this is all that there is.
I am mindful that sharing what I have found in this context is dangerous. If I shared my thought of today, it would be this. “I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily.” (1 Corinthians 7.29) It is as much for myself as anyone I can think of.
