Given what I know now what would I have done differently this year?
If only is a phrase that often pauses in my reflective thoughts. I had no way of knowing except for the fact that Wisdom had given me an early indicator and I have had foolishly limited its application to schemes in getting rich. “A miser in a hurry to get rich doesn’t know that he’ll end up broke.” (Proverbs 28.22)
I simply lost my bearings for a bit, the questions that remains are simple. Have I learned? Will anything be different in the future? Can I step forward in hope?
When we started the work on a major project a year ago the task and obstacles seem to be clear cut. Given what we knew at the time our assessment was, even in hindsight, reasonably accurate. As time progressed everything that could go wrong did, all the potential dependencies collapsed, and day to day leadership faltered. Yet we thought we knew where we were going so we proceeded with all speed. We worked hard. We pushed toward the goal. We just did not know we were not going to get there.
This year is quickly blending into next. The question of the past is now becoming that of the future. What have I learned that can be applied to the future? What will I do differently? Can I carry hope with me?
I have learned that process and teamwork are the two most important things if one wants to be successful. I have the opportunity to approach things differently, starting today. Teamwork only comes by spending time together as a team. Process comes through planning and communication. Everyone will need to carry their load but unless we communicate we will never be more than the sum of the parts. With teamwork leverage comes and together they birth hope.
The opportunities to win are here for all of us. Imagine what happens when we plan with the Spirit, work in harmony, and communicate directly with God. There are no boundaries and hope springs eternal.
