I work in a rapidly changing organization. We know where we want to be. We are eager to get there. The opportunity, challenge, and problem is all mixed up in a wonderful soup. At times, our best intentions run into the reality of getting to our destination.
This is a new experience for me. The magnitude of our goals is not unique. The scope is less than some of our competitors. Even the breath of our vision is within our imaginations. From my perspective, it is the combination of the magnitude, scope, and breath that is overwhelming. In everyway, life is changing.
If I have any lessons that I could share, they would be along the following lines.
Life easily overwhelms individuals and community. Whatever situation one is in, the quantity of information, data, and images floods our ability to understand and manage. It is impossible to know everything. If one looks back there is at least one moment where we could have done something better. If one looks forward, the complexity and uncertainty of what we can see creates waves of doubt and uncertainty. Even in the moment, one is unsure.
One has a choice in how one looks at others. Does one presume positive intent or something else? The assumption is critical. It shapes how we look at others. Are we in a battle? Are we sharing burdens, walking together?
One has a choice in how one looks at the situation. When things go a different way, do we compassionately inquire or express our judgment? While linked to how we see others, this question is broader. It asks how about our response to community, group decisions, and trends.
Underlying all is the battle between community and self. I see God as the champion of community and the Devin as the champion of self. In this context, “Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil’s ways.” (1 John 3.8)
Today is a choice.
