I was in full sell mode. My simple, direct, five-page presentation had the elements I needed. The key questions were answered on the first page. The details came in the next three. The final page closed out the obvious challenge question. As I began to review if with others, a simple yet powerful courtesy, I was sure I was on my way to going home.
On my last review, a simple question came out of nowhere. How does this relate to the recent recommendation another group had made.
As the sound of the question disappeared from the office, I knew I had overlooked something obvious. I am not the first to encounter this conundrum.
Paul was out to get the followers of his sworn enemy. A writer captured the moment he knew he was caught out. He was on a mission, confident that he had everything together. Without warning, a blinding light drove him to the ground. He knew he was in trouble.
“‘Who are you, Master?’ I asked.
He said, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the One you’re hunting down.’” (Acts 22.8)
My pride had blinded me to the obvious. I know this is not the first time it had happened. The difference today was that I knew the answer instantly. I had prepared earlier for the question, only to forget it in the tiredness that comes at the end of the day. My pride ensured I was not aware. My focus on getting to the next destination shut down my reflection. Even if someone had reminded me, I doubt that I would have been listening.
“How does this…”
Questions in life are often obvious to everyone but the person that needs to hear them. Today that individual was someone I often see in the mirror. My pride quickly left. It seemed to know that I was embarrassed.
“Good question.”
“The strange part is that I had actually prepared to answer the question. It is a good thing we are on the same team.”
Community always helps me see more than my horizon will allow.
