Last night I was asked to look back over the past three years. The questions were blunt and to the point. What was the highest high? What was the lowest low? Do you have something to leave us with? The people asking the questions are more than colleagues. They are friends who have log ago past the tests of stress, conflicts, politics, painful decisions, and facing the odds. The roller coaster ride will continue on, but after Friday it will be forever different.
At the heart of my reflection, I found myself wandering around points of failure. What could I have done differently? Have I learned anything that will help me in the future? Can I share something that will help my friends avoid the same mistakes? The failures have been varied. There were the obvious ones everyone knows about, however the ones that haunt are the quiet ones that were personal decision points. What can I say about these moments?
I look back and wonder about my arrogant confidence going into the decision. I was sure that I knew where I was going. There was no challenge or obstacle that was going to deter me from my path. I knew I was square with God, straight in my relationships with family, and accurate with my sights. Nothing could have been more ignorant!
Solomon talks about a parallel situation. The man is where he should not be by choice. The woman is approaching the decision with arrogant abandoned. The scene that follows could easily reflect your confidence or mine.
“She threw her arms around him and kissed him, boldly took his arm and said, “I’ve got all the makings for a feast – today I made my offerings, my vows are all paid…” (Proverbs 7.13,14)
I think I know where my steps are leading. Do you or I really know this? I believe my facts and analysis are clear, accurate, and appropriate for the decision. Do we ever know something like this with total confidence?
Knowing one is ignorant is the first step towards accepting God’s hand.
