We met at an event I just happened to attend; a mutual random encounter. In the first conversation of introducing ourselves to the other, we decided to meet again. The second meeting triggered a third. With moves, transitions, and life events creating natural barriers to being in the same physical vicinity, our meetings have all been virtual since. One might think that this individual would be forgettable, however two questions and a referral have forever impacted the course of my life.
As I consider our time together, the level of experiential trust (virtually none), and the outcome I am still baffled. How could so little result in so much? It is as if an old story line, “With a word he brought in locusts, millions of locusts, armies of locusts,” (Psalm 105.34) has played out positively perfect. In following his life through our social media connections, I find myself inspired by the following.
Insights can come at any time, from any direction. They spring from sources known as well as one we have never considered or imagined. Some are instantly grasp and understood while others only unfold in our minds and hearts with time. Some are beautiful, others harsh. I have experienced insights across the full range of emotions and feelings – pain and distress to ecstasy and celebration, and even in moments of ambivalence. People and things natural tend to dominate the source, but sometimes it is a simple as a feeling in the moment that opens the door to more.
Testing and validating each insight is always a good idea. We tend to trust ourselves. I am not sure what I do given the ongoing mistakes that I author! I also catch myself dismissing what I do not understand or am unwilling to accept. When I was young, I was taught to be cautious. In my maturing years I have been reminded that being cautious is always a good start but it is never the destination.
With insight and trust, one arrives at the decision to embrace and action or reject. Today is that fork.
