I am working on a deal together between four parties. It is likely only two matter, which is often the reality where one does not have all the facts. The art is in understanding which two. It is likely that others are looking for a good outcome, whatever that might be.
In the quest to get to the two, understanding as much as one can about the past and present can be a helpful place to start. Far too often I let myself get caught chasing a tantalizing statement, only to find that while it is accurate, it does not reveal the background story. Several lessons came as reminders which are proving to be very helpful.
Be careful of statements in isolation. As an example, one might quickly draw a black and white conclusion with the phrase, “He struck down the Egyptian firstborn, both human and animal firstborn.” (Psalm 135.8). It is a very devastating fact. My reminder to continue the question to hear and understand the whole story. The story is always more than the sum of the parts, of validating facts and figures.
Listen to see where the storyteller is speaking from. What is her/his intent? Is there an agenda at play? I often hear the first part of the story, thinking that I have heard it all. When I keep pursuing, wanting to hear from others who involved as characters or observers, a fuller, more complete story emerges. The full story always leads me to a different way of understanding the present and future.
When one is looking to shape the future, pause and seek out the decision makers in the present. It is likely that these have changed as the story evolved. The obvious players yesterday may not be relevant to the moment at hand. The quest will likely come with lightbulb moments, surprising to everyone except for those relevant few in the moment at hand.
Life can be uncertain and chaotic. Taking time to hear, feel, and reflect on the stories which brought us to this moment, help one see clearly.
