I have come to appreciate the advantages of time and experience. With each step, one builds a knowledge base. This foundation is useful to oneself and to others in proportion to one’s awareness and willingness to learn. As one grows, there is an opportunity to use this as a gift, freely given and, in giving, letting go. The mentors in my life had modelled their willingness to share without insistence that I use it in the way they think best. In the freedom to accept and reject, I have found that my openness creates unique opportunities to let Life take her position as my best teacher and guide. As I approach the day ahead, I find the reminders shaping how I see each moment and opportunity.
My dialogue with another is enriched by their experience. Their journey, having gone through good, bad, awesome, and ugly, opens the door to leads to deeper, richer stories to share. The model was established early. As one author noted, “That’s why he [Divinity] had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself – all the pain, all the testing – and would be able to help where help was needed.” (Hebrews 2.17, 18)
Unless one remains engaged, the useful lessons of the past will lose their context. Institutions fade. Language changes. Meaning evolves. Being relevant comes with dialogue, shared references, and the willingness of those with experience to meet the listener where s/he is. The conversation has never been about dictating or informing. It was and is about relationship. In walking together, having a dialogue filled with compassion, understanding, and care, each voice opens a door to hope and opportunities.
In gifting and letting go, the knowledge of yesterday has a chance to be recreated in a new generation. The dreams of yesterday can be reborn in the visions of today. Today is my chance to collaborate with others as we reach for a better future.
