Years ago a business partner of mine referred to a strategy document. While I had skimmed through it, candidly I had not read it. It was a document written by others for use by the broader team including myself. As he quoted specifics, I found that I needed to think through the bigger story to understand his intent. In hindsight, I realize that others on the call that day were in the same place as I was. While we understood the words, we needed a greater story to make it useful.
In today’s world, the roles are reversed. I find myself going back to a strategy document. It is one that I have read, reread, and reflected on. It is a document that others wrote and I contributed to. It tells of a bigger story and invites others to join us on the journey. As I quote an extract or two, I know others were in shoes that I often wear. They understand the words but they do not know the greater story.
The problem has haunted individuals across countless generations. From the earliest moments in time, God has outlined how ideal relationships work. Writers, our wisdom mothers and fathers, have added their comments. One example is Paul’s words; “A wife must stay with her husband as long as he lives. If he dies, she is free to marry anyone she chooses.” (1 Corinthians 7.39) Paul is extracting part of a greater story. As important as this is, the greater story is even more important.
I missed the bigger picture with my business partner. In the conversation of yesterday I thought knowing the extracts was enough. In hindsight, knowing the extracts was not enough then and I do not think it is now. One must start with the picture and the story.
Today begins with a new dawn, light breezes, and a sense of the possible. It is a time to step forward with the reflection of yesterday and the story we find ourselves in. We carry the freedom God gave us to make a difference.
