I have my Asia team together today. The idea of getting together has been around for some time. I am not sure why the timing was not right earlier. I am not too worried about the delay. I find that life often guides the timing of events in way that gives birth to the best outcomes. The question I wrestle with is one of motivation.
What do I want to come out of this workshop?
Do I have a definition of success?
If everything worked perfectly, what would be different in each life?
There is a mysterious link between motive, intent, and action. The connection is far stronger than I am willing to admit. I always start with great motives. I then compromise my intent to deal with the situation at hand. To make things murkier, I often overlay my action with a sense of what will work.
The outcome is that my actions speak of unrecognizable intent and motive. Yes, the actions are mind. Yes, intellectually I know that my actions tell others what is inside of my soul. Yet, the denial remains buried within. My flawed actions should reflect my perfect motives! Despite, or rather in the context of the conflict, I assume the outcomes will reflect my ideals.
From what I can see, life rarely works this way. This workshop is an example. Whatever my motives are, the team will experience my actions. The link with my intent will only come from the actions. Words are never enough.
I take heart that others struggled with this before me. One mantra is to keep things simple and direct. A writer notes the rationale; “Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!” (1 John 1.4) I know the linkage was tight. Regardless of the right/wrong, people got the point.
Today will tell a story. You and I have the opportunity to create a story in our image. It is a window of hope. There is space for action. We can make a difference.
