I have a problem when I am drip fed information. I have come to realize that as I get information that I could have gotten much earlier two emotions surface. The first is frustration. The second is distrust.
I know I could be more patient, but everything within me screams to know the whole story. I begin to wonder if I understand the context. Do I act or wait for more? Does the story seem complete? What additional pieces could change it and why?
Second, questions come with the first addition. By the second or third addition, I am wrestling with trust. If the revelations appear to be part of an iterative process, trust goes on holiday!
As I find myself looking in the mirror, I think of an old writer’s notes. David’s words are a model that I need to embrace at the beginning of each day. “I didn’t keep the news of your ways a secret, didn’t keep it to myself. I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough. I didn’t hold back pieces of love and truth for myself alone. I told it all, let the congregation know the whole story.” (Psalm 40.10)
As I work to establish my steps and aspirations with a new journey, the reminders that sync of with the model include the following.
Tell the story as complete as one can. While keeping the audience in mind, if one is going to err, err on the side of too much information. Trust the audience.
Acknowledge what one knows as well as what is still to be discovered. Gaps can be heard as invitations to join in the quest. Resist the temptation to make the story more than it is.
Invite others to become characters in the story, seizing the chance to make the story bigger than one it is. Dreams are richer, deeper, and wonderfully greater when others join them.
The puzzle is getting bigger. Fortunately some of the pieces are falling into place. With the help of others, words and themes will become a great story.
