I willingly confess that there are certain events that trigger a response that is OTT (over the top). The event in itself can be good, bad, or neutral. I do not that once triggered, I find myself aware that my view was always present. It is not out in the open because it needed to be. I can and should deal with it. All this is good, however, responding appropriately is not always a given.
There were two very different triggers in the past few days. The first one came through an innocent email. Another group, no competitors or in any way comparable, provided an update. They presented a story of being present and available to help. They went on to explain why they were here, what they planned to do, and how others (myself included) could benefit. It was a fantastic story! You might think that this was a small piece of good news. In contrast, I found myself annoyed and frustrated.
We could, should be doing the same and we are not. Our team is engaged and committed to the right values and priorities. From every angle, we are going the right things. We have a plan. We are executing. We are making a difference. All this is good, however nobody knows! Nobody includes the members of our team and our collective perspective.
Yesterday, I ordered a latte (no, it was not at Starbucks). The individual taking my order was kind, considerate, and engaged. S/he asked, listened, and affirmed my order. As I watch my name being written on the cup, a final repeat of my order was pronounced as a blessing over the cup (all eyes on the movement and the object of our attention). Moment later, my cup arrived with something other than my order. I almost lost the plot.
In both moments, my perspective vanished. I forgot the core of compassionate living. The response to any situation rests in a reminder. “My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other.” (1 John 4.11)
