I was reminded, in the gentlest and quietest of ways, how lucky I am. In the midst of careless mistake that was unfolding as a failure, I heard a familiar voice from a blind spot.
“Don’t worry, I have your back.”
There was no hesitation, just decisive action. I was not asking for help. I did not think I needed help. Even though it was obvious to others; I was oblivious. I was confident that I would complete the task. Candidly, it was a disaster in the making until I was covered.
As I look back on the moment, I wonder how many times I am going to repeat this cycle before I break out. At the moment I can see three indicators I need to embrace instead of ignore.
First is the mythology that my way is the only way it things are going to work. I would defensively say that I am open to new ideas. I would suggest that I seek options and alternatives. The warning sign is the number of people that I am collaborating with on a given project at any moment in time. If it is more than one, I am likely in good shape. If it is less, I should be asking why.
Second is the idea that if everything looks well that it is. It can seem like a waste of time to check and affirm, but it is worth it! The lost opportunity I want to recover is the moment where we can celebrate the journey so far. Celebrations remind us of what we value! Celebrations reinforce the importance of achieving the greater good, especially when we see how it fits into the bigger story.
Third is the opportunity to be better than what I think I can be. Others see more in me than I find looking in the mirror.
Don’t worry, I have your back is a voice of one living the Psalm; “He redeems you from hell – saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy – a paradise crown.” (Psalm 103.4)
