I had lunch with a colleague and friend. In one company, we had occasionally worked together. In other, he worked for me. In a present, we have are friends. Our relationship has gone through several different stages. The threads that link each phase together include respect, admiration, and a sense of greater possibilities.
His casual comment between courses caught me by surprise. “I wanted to thank you for the dots you helped create in my life. As I look back on them, I can see how they connected me to where I am today. I am challenged, engaged, and happy. You played an important role in where I am. I could not see them at the time. Looking back, I see the path.”
I wish I could share a story of brilliant insight, amazing acts of courage, and wisdom. Even in my wildest remembering, I do not find anything that passes this filter. As I examine history, looking at the struggles and actions that followed, I find myself with the following observations.
There was “intent” in everything that happened. Sometimes I find myself stating it in through the negative. I could use Paul’s words; “If there’s no resurrection, there’s no living Christ. And face it—if there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors.” (1 Corinthians 15.14) I could also talk about the resurrection and what follows – forgiveness taking the lead for justice, mercy as a starting point to understanding, and the role love plays in community.
We rarely know with certainty what will happen in our actions. One must trust that the outcomes will be ok if one follows the truth within one’s heart. I did not know then, I do not know now. I can only act with faith.
Life is, for each, a window of learning, taking action, and reflection. The cycle repeats itself until it is done. It is in experiencing the fullness of the windows of our life that we live life to the max.
