Perceptions

When I was in college, I had a good friend that went into a program to become a banker.  I thought she was nuts!  I had a perception of what being a banker was.  A banker’s role was well defined.  A banker’s abilities were narrow and limited.  A banker’s future was not something I wanted in my life.  I wished her well and haven’t spoken to her since finals week of our senior year.  I have no idea why.
 
Decades later, after almost thirty years in banking, I find myself walking along paths I never imagined could exist.  My perceptions did not allow for the breath, depth, and variety of roles I now know exist in banking and everything that falls into this loose definition.  I never knew.  I could not see.  I remember being confident about my view; unaware of how short sighted, blind, and na?ve my vision was. 
 
It would be easy to assign blame to those involved in my life.  Clearly, my business professors should have known better.  In hindsight, I doubt it was an interest of theirs.  I doubt it helped that I never asked questions that went beyond the firms that came to our campus and recruited.  Perhaps there were friends or family that could or should have known.  I have search my memories in context of the world in which I now work.  Candidly, I don’t think anyone knew or was aware of what went on behind the scenes.
 
I wish the limits of my sight ended with banking.  Candidly, it did not then or now.  I assumed my views of friendship, hope, and even God were complete.  I realize now that there is so much more than what I did and do see.  The answers lie in experiencing the potential; taking steps, opening the self up to what might be, and letting the Spirit lead.  There is an incredible world out there – God filled, relationship rich, and with opportunities for all.
 
“I am God.  That's my name.  I don't franchise my glory, don't endorse the no-god idols.”  (Isaiah 42.8)