There was a wisdom saying from my childhood that has taken decades to sink in. “Do not worry about the changes in your life. Focus on the present, processes and the destination.”
I find myself spending a time reflecting on destinations and process. Life’s reality is that difficulties, new situations, and changing priorities regularly push me in directions I did not anticipate. Being resolute helps, but it is never the full answer. Being disciplined can provide a sense of direction, however grasping new opportunities requires that one be looking with openness.
I like business scripts. Having a plan with milestones, points of accountability, deliverables, and dates is comforting. The challenge is that following a script never works if one is blind. Adjustments must be made. Lessons can be embraced.
A sailor mused aloud after surviving an early season storm and making port. “By this time we had lost a lot of time. We had passed the autumn equinox, so it would be stormy weather from now on through the winter, too dangerous for sailing.” (Acts 27.9)
This week several projects took on a new face. Whatever our original intent, we have lost a lot of time. We will not make our original goal. We do not have any corrective actions that can make up for what has been lost. There are things that we can do.
We can adjust given the circumstances and lessons from the failures.
We can focus on our goals and reaffirm our priorities and values.
We can embrace our community so that in our collective strength we can move forward with speed and collective intent (power).
As I look at the situation, I realize our greatest lost is one of opportunity. In this light, yesterday’s loss can work for tomorrow’s gain. We can be learn and gain strength from the experiences. We can focus as a community, knowing that our collective ability is far greater than what we can do on our own. We can walk knowing we belong and are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Adjustments are invitations to more.
