As my diary began to unfold this week, meetings followed by meetings and then some more introductions, I realized that there was a context. Shaping their responses was an introduction email. I had not seen it. On one level, I did not have any interest in what the note said. I assumed it contained the normal blah blah blah. On the other hand, given its influence, I was curious. What did the note say? How was I described? What was my mission?
The solution was to ask. It was not going to be appropriate to ask someone working for me to give me a copy of my announcement. I could do that. However, it would seem like I was far less in control than how things appeared. I knew there were several I could ask. Until then, I would need to live and act with the unknown.
There were several immediate outcomes.
I found myself invited into more responsibility than I knew I had. It seems that the scope of my role is larger than I understood. While that is ok, it means that I need think and act differently. Just how far it goes is, even after reading the announcement, not certain. If in down, I should assume that I am here to influence the situations for what is good for my team.
I discovered that I am unique. It is more than just my experience, unusual as it is. It is an opportunity born of time, place, and availability. I can make a difference. It will not be easy. There will be obstacles. Yet, the opportunity is here.
I see that others are walking along the same path. I may think I am the only one that is uncertain. I know I am often confused. The way forward is more like art than math. More are on this path than not.
I have been invited to a journey. Another had “wanted [me] to walk there, and so had made these arrangements earlier.” (Acts 20.14) It is now up to me to discover and respond.
