I caught myself the other day believing in my words without taking the time to verify the outcomes and impact. It was a difficult reality to accept! I want to believe that everything is unfolding to plan. I hope that the anticipated outcomes are being realized and experienced. As smoothly as things are unfolding, not all indicators are green. In the reflection process, I found myself coming back to relevant reminders.
Challenging one’s view by asking tough question is always a good idea. I know there is a balance, but in doubt it is better to ask more questions than one needs! The Psalmist was bold in the past when he asked, “Does your love make any difference in a graveyard? Is your faithful presence noticed in the corridors of hell?” (Psalm 88.11) His courage then lends support to mustering mine now.
Measuring and evaluating the results that follow is necessary to improving the here and now. Having an understanding of what success looks like before one starts is critical if one is serious about reaching the goal. One must imagine success and the details involved. Measuring and reacting to the change along integral to growth, making a difference, and realizing our dreams.
Candor and honesty open doors that lead to more. The degree to which we do both has a direct correlation to the probability that we sill succeed. Inversely, the more we see things as we hope but not as we are, the higher the chance that we end up somewhere, anywhere but where we want to be.
It is a sign of strength to ask others for input, ideas, and help. Even when our aspirations are intensely personal, others can make a difference. There is no rationale reason to think that one is required to operate totally within one’s self. In the simple act of making a sandwich, one man tried to do everything on his own. Months later and $1,500 out of pocket, he had his sandwich. Life does not need to be this hard.
Life whispers, trying to help. We choose.
