I have a natural tendency to look left then right. I know there was a sweep between the two extremes. In my routine, my mind takes a snapshot of each end and casually notes what is between. Recent events have given me reason to pause and examine this with renewed interest.
The trigger is the metaphoric link between the beginning and end, does the latter justify any and everything in between? Machiavelli was an Italian diplomat from Florence who embraced the view that the end justified the means. His book, “Il Principe”, has been on the must-read lists for aspiring politicians and anyone in business for hundreds of years.
Life had bluntly reminded me that while results matter, they are not the only measure of success. As I deconstructed the lesson, I realized I had missed several reminders.
Outcomes are results best viewed in a mirror. There are important reasons for this. As an example, the psalmist notes, “He made Egypt sit up and take notice, confronted Pharaoh and his servants with miracles.” (Psalm 135.9) While it is easy to focus on the pieces he notes, they fit into a much larger story. The why, how, and what are hinted at but not readily available. Candidly, it is impossible to imagine all the pieces in advance. As I reflect and see the larger story, the critical importance intent and principles played along the way emerges.
I look to the moment at hand on the left and turn to the outcomes I imagine on my right. As my eyes sweep left to right, I rediscover and appreciate the role each moment between now and then plays. Even as my vision always includes the prize, the critical question is what I will do in the moment I have now. Will I apply the principles and lessons I hold closest to my heart or will I abandon everything, sacrifice anything, and do what I must to move forward?
As a new day begins, the right outcome is more likely as my heart’s values and principles live in the moment.
