The request to the group was for candor. It was direct and to the point. It is hard to imagine how anyone would have missed the invitation that was delivered as a mandate. It was an opportunity to take things to a different place. As I reflect on what followed, I wonder if everyone said “yes”.
There were moments of blunt questions and expressions of doubt. If one looked through the obvious diplomacy, one could see that there were areas of strong disagreement and questioning. On the face of it, this should have been enough to open the door to a candid exchange of views.
At least one did not walk through this door.
My proof statement rests on a simple observation. There was no admission of anything that was not excellent or perfect. Everything was working fine, even with the criticism. Timelines were on track and project schedules were being met. Everyone involved was informed, committed, and on the same page. I do not know of any situation where everything is excellent. One can always do something better. One should be able to reach farther, higher, or deeper.
I looked for ways to probe the apparent disconnect and found myself looking in a metaphorical mirror. Was I being honest with myself? Are there things in my life that could improve?
There is a historical benchmark that applies to my situation. One writer captured it when he wrote the following. “If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.” (1 John 1.10) Did I realize that I was ignoring the obvious or accusing Divinity of being untrue? Were my beliefs real or ignorant?
I do not think anyone noticed me squirming in my seat. It is easier to see another’s blindness than to admit my own. I woke today realizing I have an opportunity to help the other and in doing so help myself. Admitting I need help is a gateway to a community making a difference.
