“How is it going?”
As I read a note from my boss, my first thought was that was a vacation note! As much as I wanted to share my stories, they were still incomplete.
“Good. I am excited about what is going on. I’ll drop you a write-up shortly so we can pick up the discussion when you are back. Until then, enjoy your vacation!”
As I began to craft my notes, I realized that I am be talking to myself for several weeks. “‘Mum’s the word,’ I said, and kept quiet. But the longer I kept silence the worse it got.” (Psalm 39.2) I want to tell the story. I want to bring others into the picture I see. Staying silent forever is not an option! I must tell someone.
We are created with a deep longing for relationships. We love sharing our observations, views, and plans with others. We also love hearing the stories others are willing to share. Life reminds me that when we have a balanced mix of talking and listening that our views of others change.
As I begin to write my words, I realize that the way we talk and listen to each other changes with several factors.
Trust. I am writing to one I trust. Implicitly, intuitively, and in ways I do not understand, I know from my heart out that I trust. My candidness is given in the spirit that I want to hear others. My discussion points are offered in the spirit of building a consensus. Even my conclusions are offered in the knowledge that I may not being seeing the complete picture. Everything finds its shape in the context of trust.
Defined winning. My words and thoughts are being sent with the intent of defining a shared view of what success looks like. While I have a view, I want a greater view because of others.
Next. My goal is that I reach into community and leave with others on my side knowing I am on theirs.
Everything inside is bursting, wanting share, listen, and act.
