In most of my business travel, I am alone. I have come to value the pause and silence. While I can speak with those around me, protocol leaves me with the opportunity to say nothing. Most of the time, my travels give me a chance for reflection, quietness, and space. It is a gift. However, there are trips when life dictates otherwise.
As we parted after the conference, I could see a contingent forming. Several were flying from Hong Kong to Singapore. Given the dominance of two airlines on this route, I easily guessed several would be on the last Singapore Airlines flight of the day together. It was easy to anticipate that everyone would sit with the others with business conversations continuing from the conference.
As I listen to the recount of the trip, it reminded me how an old author documented the sequence. “Within five days, the Chief Priest Ananias arrived with a contingent of leaders, along with Tertullus, a trial lawyer.” (Acts 24.1) There were the facts and then there was the story.
I am glad I was not part of the Friday flight. My flight the following day was quiet and uneventful. However, I missed being part of the story and the conversation that comes when a group travels together.
You and I live in virtual communities that form and morph from moment to moment. At times, it feels good to be outside of it all. We escape into our virtual worlds that are as quiet or as noisy as we allow. While balancing our need for quiet times, there is a call to engage with others. The decision on where we spend our time is a leading indicator to our path’s direction.
The real person living within our hearts makes our decisions. We often wonder why we make the decisions that we do, especially when they differ from our highest values. The answer lies with the people and things that we give focus to in our lives. Who we are is in a large part a reflection of our focus points.
