The conversation picked up from where we have left it three months ago. It was interesting to hear the difference in his voice. The certainty of his view in our last conversation had been replaced by a stronger conviction yet open curiosity. If I had been asked to summarize my view of his perspective, I would express what would almost seem like a Yogi Berra observation.
“He knew that he did not know even as he knew.”
In reflecting on our conversation and perspectives, I found myself coming back to his insight and uncertainty. There is no doubt in my mind that it was tangibly real. He had a view even as he knew that there was more to see. He was willing to make a change even as he understood that he did not have a full understanding. I realized he understood enough of what he found disturbing even though he did not know what was a better answer.
While my natural inclination would be to wait, I found myself admiring his willingness to step in the right direction. The fact is that he had already confronted part of the problem. He knew there were more conversations to be had but the first step was already behind him. From a warfare perspective, the battled was engaged even before he knew the full picture of victory.
I found myself in a scene out of a David prayer; “God destroys Lie-Speaker; Blood-Thirsty and Truth-Bender disgust you.” (Psalm 5.6) He knew it was time to act.
It was also a time to reflect and consider. There was more to getting rid of the bad. There was the need to fill the space with the good. The reflecting, full of listening, conversation, and consideration, was well underway.
With the dawn, I realize that I know some of the things I need to deal with even as I figure out the future. Today is an opportunity to act. It is not about completing the picture. It is about processing the scene. I hope I seize the day.
