The telephone call was interesting. The time spent introducing myself and listening to another’s story was the agenda. I could tick the box on my to-do list and considered it complete. On the other hand, I came away from the call stunned. While I had covered the agenda point, I also knew that the magnitude of my challenge in this assignment was bigger than anything I had imagined! I have no idea how I am going to respond if I want to be compassionate, collaborative, and yet still try to win. It is a moment when the magnitude is clear. I can see the mountains. I can imagine the valleys. I remember the uncertainties that always come with a journey like this. What I find more difficult to imagine is the destination.
Two observations keep running through my mind.
Empty vessels can be found in every community. They are not new. They are not unique. They are what they are. Yes, I want to scream, revealing what I believe to be true. I find myself pulling even string, including Divinity’s. “Up, God! Aren’t you fed up with their empty strutting? Expose these grand pretensions!” (Psalm 9.19)
I know why I am here. I was not invited on this journey to judge. My skills as an executioner are not in demand, at least not that anyone has verbalized. I am here to help the community each the destination. I have goals. There are specific areas where others are depending on me for my expertise. Within my mandate, I can see parts of the destination. I also know how we can take steps to reach our aspirations.
There are bluffs that need to be called. Life reminds me that I have often chosen to be the one that calls the bluffs of others. In this reminder is the learning that it was not always my calling to call. Will this chapter be any different?
A new day comes with an invitation to embrace Hope. We can reach for something better. We can because we hold freedom within ourselves.
