The best mission statements are those with five or fewer words. Actions and behaviors tell us what we are about. When one uses lots of words to describe who we are and where we are going, one often loses sight of what is all around them.
The less is more mantra reveals itself because we know and understand with more than our minds. We hear, see, and understand with our senses. One can feel fear. Once can see frustration. One can sense good and evil. Experience reminds me that words can take me away from reality and into a world of imagination. This is, in itself, not bad but it is good to remember words can lead me to a destination that is not real.
As I reflect on the goals of the team I am working with to drive change, I am overwhelmed with words, presentations, and models. The more that I read the less I think I actually know. In contrast, the conversations I am having with others are revealing. They may not realize it yet but their words, actions, and thoughts between the lines are revealing a story. I may not see the whole story yet but reality is revealing itself. The question I am left with is one you and face daily. Where in the story of our lives do we find ourselves? Where do we fit and why?
What I love about reality is that nothing goes unnamed. Reality is transparent for those willing to see. When I look back on the past few days, the metaphors that extend into the greater story are clear. Life wants us to see. Life wants us to hear. The unnamed will be named. “No longer will the poor be nameless – no more humiliation for the humble.” (Psalm 9.18) Life is transparent for those willing to hear, see, and feel.
I have an opportunity to be part of the revelation. I do not need to be a judge. Life will take care of judgment. My role is to bring light to places of darkness.
