I spend more time trying to understand why something worked than I do worrying about why I failed. Most of the time, I know the reasons for failure. As deadlines approached, what was not working and where I was struggling was clear, at least in the middle of a silent dark night. On the other hand, success and credit are slippery creatures. Did I deserve the thank-you? Was it my work or blind luck that was being the success when everything came together? Did someone else do something that made the difference?
I am watching someone take credit for something that is not as good as s/he thinks it is. I do not know that I would be as bold, but then I do not want to explore this in detail! From the outside looking in, it is hard for me to link the actions s/he has taken that s/he believes were the keys to success with whatever good there is. From what I can see, there is little or no linkage. Certain things that worked were simply life coming together in a positive way.
It is refreshing to see individuals that are part of something greater; always working to ensure credit is given to those that deserve it. I know it is not naturally natural. I also realize that it is especially hard to do act that way when one is uncertain about her/his future.
As I look past and present, I realize that the great ones always recognize those that made a difference. Even if s/he did something in her/his own right, there is an effort to see what others have done. I wonder how far I have been willing to extend this in my life. If I dislike the individual, am I willing to acknowledge that s/he has contributed to something good? If the individual is God, am I willing to be as candid as David was? “You sent them packing; they couldn’t face you.” (Psalm 21.12)
Today is an opportunity to give credit and work with the Other to make a difference.
