Pendulum swings are nothing new. It is easy to remember the feelings of chastisement and commitment to being on the side of whatever my parents wanted me to be. As a young child, I was all in! I had been corrected, if only through guilt and shame. The challenge was my heart and my mind. Rarely were they convicted. The natural outcome revealed itself as my newfound enthusiasm for my parent’s view disappeared before the dawn of a new day.
As I pause to think about what today’s morning light represents, I can see the reflection of a new day’s sunlight on the water nearby as well as the building in the distance. In both cases, the reflection visually appears to be more intense than the sun itself. Metaphorically, it takes me to the observation of what happens when two people work together. The combination grows and strengthens in a way which is far greater than anyone anticipated.
The morning reflection extends beyond the initial idea of collaboration. When collaboration involves trust in a greater ideal and action, especially independent action, one witnesses the birth of a powerful force. It is in the shared intent that more is created, nurtured, and matures.
An old warning plays out in a modern context. “I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, ‘Sounds good. You take care of the faith department; I’ll handle the works department.’ Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.” (James 2.18) It is in the combined mission, with us working in harmony together and apart, that we find the center focal point.
I see an opportunity which comes with each beginning. I have an opportunity to choose my purpose and my allies. We can bring the faith in the ideals of care, kindness, and love to bring together and demonstrate them in action. It is an opportunity for community and change, starting within.
