The email landed in my inbox as a routine update. In and among the regular progress reports, documents to review, and questions, this was news. The group had struck a deal with a major wildlife conservation fund to improve our awareness and sensitivity to the environment and the world in which we lived. While we supported them, they would provide awareness campaigns, green audits, and recommendations on how we improve. The headline spoke to our aspirations and the way this would help.
There was an embedded premise in the news. It echoed Paul’s words; “Do you think Moses’ [the group’s] primary concern was the care of farm animals? Don’t you think his [our] concern extends to us? Of course.” (1 Corinthians 9.10)
The circle of life and caring has a component of environmental stewardship. We are responsible and accountable for the way we treat the world around us. If we care for the green in our lives, how much more should we care for the people?
There is the obvious answer and then there is the real one. While I am hopeful that the group will be a better place in the future, I carry my doubts.
Is there a place in our lives where the circle connects? Have we linked our aspiration words with action? If something is going to get lost, what should it be?
I wish I could say that I was consistent. It would be wonderful if I could suggest that the companies I worked for were doing it right.
Candidly, neither is true.
We live in a world of paradoxes. If one merely listens to the words we use, everything looks like it fits. Compassion is alive and well. Integrity is a hallmark of every organization and individual. Honesty shapes everything that we do.
When one goes to connect the circle, nothing quite touches the other. There are pockets of great achievement offset by broad patches of careless neglect and intentional ignorance. There is no question that yesterday was less than it could have been. We can help make today different.
