I am a very lucky individual. For most of my life, on a good day, I had one, maybe two individuals that I could turn to when I wanted to celebrate, question, or commiserate. In a swirl of emotions over the past few days and weeks, I realize that there are several individuals in my life who deeply care about what is going on, love to celebrate with me, and are willing to share the valleys and bumps.
With the uncertainty that is present in every day, my first response to any unknown is to look for one of the go-to individuals. Initially I suspected that I wanted them to intervene and solve my problems. I have come to value that my freedom is also my accountability. As much as anyone wants to help, they cannot step into my shoes. What they can do is the following.
Each can help me see more than I otherwise will see. My vision and imagination expand when I open myself up to their insights, ideas, and possibilities. Together the picture becomes more complete. The details take on additional meaning. The nuances start to come into focus.
There are at least three ways, often more, to solve a problem. When only one or two are visible, the quest for the third begins! Adding the ideas and possibilities held by others always opens alternatives that I had not seen.
Celebrating with friends is always better than celebrating alone. All emotions get more intense and complete when others are engaged. Opening one’s heart up to another can be dangerous, but when it is with go-to friends, everything gets better! Paraphrasing the psalmist, “Gilead’s in my pocket, to say nothing of Manasseh. Ephraim’s my hard hat, Judah my hammer.” (Psalm 108.8)
In a world of fractured lives, I am fortunate. To the go-to individuals, there is a deep gratitude of thankfulness within me. You make life better, sweeter, and more possible. I look forward our time together – climbing more mountains, sharing more bread, and making life better for the people we meet.
