As I enjoyed a great meal, I realized that cooking with proven techniques, creativity, and the right ingredients inevitably leads to wonderful food. What happens next depends on the individuals present. Taste, conversations with others, and setting all come into play. Conversations are probably the most important part of the next. Great food and good people combine for a wonderful experience regardless of the ambiance (or lack of).
As I think of what makes some individuals great, it is a similar formula. Individuals that relate to life as it is with a goal of making it better (creativity), embrace love, compassion, community, and caring (proven techniques), and do so with a willingness to learn and grow (right ingredients) are wonderful members of the family and larger story. When they work with others (conversations and relationships), magic follows! What starts out as a story of parts and pieces becomes a wonderful symphony of possibilities and hope.
As dinner wound down I found myself thinking of my priorities. They include the following.
I always want to be open to learning and growth. You and I have the potential to be the example of the psalmist’s observation; “How blessed the man you train, God, the woman you instruct in your Word.” (Psalm 94.12)
I hope I always reach and strive for what is better. This requires I look forward and up. It is the future step in the learning and growing process.
There is a bigger story that you and I are part of. Embracing the opportunity to be active in this story is a calling, priority, and responsibility.
Life is defined by we, not I. I do not always live up to that definition. In the moment at hand, there is a choice on acting up to that definition. How I respond is the measure of my priorities and values.
Life is full of consequences. Focusing on them often leads to attempts to manage. There are options. When I focus on fundamentals and the larger story, I will have done what is best for the consequences that follow.
