Sharing new information with a group of people is fascinating. You can almost watch the physical process of verbal words and gestures go from point A in the room to individual minds with the process of absorption out for all to see. Smiles find themselves on people who are naturally silent, eyes change, and the new postures are created. You can never quite be sure how much is getting through but something is!
Recently I met with everyone I work directly with from Asia. For the first time they gathered in one room, eager to share, ready to listen. Their enthusiasm and intelligence made the process relatively easy. Difficult conversations could be had, and challenging subjects presented with a hope that a reasonable portion was not only heard, but also understood. As I sit back and reflect it is easy to call the meeting a success.
The contrast with another recent conversation could not be more obvious. We were attempting to resolve several points where a commitment was not being met. I tried to present an easy and face-saving way out of the dilemma I was facing due to this relationship yet the words did not seem to be getting through. After almost an hour things seem to click.
“Wise conversation is way over the head of fools; in a serious discussion they haven’t a clue.” (Proverbs 24.7) A follow-up conversation several days later confirmed this fact.
I really want to win in the game call life. I want everything – happiness, fulfillment, peace, love, and hope – and I want lots of it! I usually behave as if I know exactly how I can get, achieve, and win. When things don’t work I just set a new course and pursue it differently. Granted that I have yet to make this work but the process remains firmly in tact.
God is trying to have a serious conversation. He is working every angle because our lives are at risk. There are two roles – playing the fool, playing the listener and learner. What will happen next is up to us.
