I was given a relatively simple mandate a few weeks ago. It involved a work community, the future, and the story they want to tell. The ingredients were obvious – people, events past that will influence the future, and opportunities. The plot line had a loose structure to it. The players were clear.
What I thought was obvious was not. The initial structure and straight lines are now wavy and unstable. Even the players are changing.
As I share my progress, the little that I have made, with those interested in the outcome of the mandate, I have candidly expressed the view that my hands are tied. Metaphorically, “herds of bulls come at me, the raging bulls stampede,” (Psalm 22.12) and I am dancing to survive. I can partially understand the why behind the events, but there is a large piece that remains hidden. As I continue to push, I realize that I am not the first one to come up against a relentless barrage of obstacles. It feels like I am fighting the battle alone. As I slow down to listen to the voices around me I catch the words of those in the same situation. The voices include individuals are making my challenge greater than what I thought it would be.
As I think of the larger story that you and I are a part of I realize that evil arrows are relentlessly striking at the heart of our journeys. Evil is, intentionally and ignorantly, touching every aspect of our lives. It is easy to be consumed by it because the pain, uncertainty, and anguish are leavings their marks on us from the inside out.
I find hope that in our best moments we are able to move beyond the pain and into the present, living out compassion, making a difference. I know that the challenge of stepping into More is not an easy one. When I see it, in others and even within myself, it is a moment where I see Hope alive. As tough as it gets, there are lights that shine.
