There are a series of principles that I use in my work. At the core are words that could be clichés – acceptance, equality, transparency, collaboration, and a belief in the goodness of others.
I wish I could present these as truth statements that always brought perfect outcomes. The harsh reality of the world we live in is that these principles do not always seem to work. At times, even with these principles in hand, failure is a reality. On other occasions, as much as I think I am holding onto them, others remind me that they cannot see or feel their presence. In the mystery of how life unfolds each day, everyone has the opportunity to see good go to battle with evil. It is exciting when I see good on top. On other occasions, evil seems to have the winning hand.
I have come to the conclusion that my view of the outcome is not the reason that I hold the themes close. Life reminds me that you and I are on journeys. In each step, we live. The goal is not in reaching a destination but to live! How we live matters. Why we do what we do makes a difference – especially to our hearts and minds. Said another way, life is described by the process of living with our principles defining the why.
There are no guarantees in the immediate. Principles and priorities require faith if they are to be used. They will make a different in how we do things. Others will contribute to the outcome, which is often beyond our control. We are responsible for our role in the broader story.
The principles I hold closest are also words I used for God. As I live them out, I experience God alive. David’s reflection still rings true; “We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need.” (Psalm 33.20) There are days I wish for certainty. I realize the only certainty I have is that God is present within me. How I live brings God to life – for others as well as myself.
