Readiness

Someone described the difference between the company I work with and another.  One, they said, liked to talk and do.  SetClear liked to write and review what was written.  As the individual talked about the conversation, it was clear that there was a less than subtle editorial being given about the approaches.  One was clearly superior!  One was a rapid way to get into action.  There other was deliberate (slow), formal (cumbersome), and methodical (useless).  As I listened, I found myself smiling.  I like the way we are; we want to be prepared for the big events in life.  We want to invest in making the turn successfully.  We want to leverage our insights, creativity, and collective strength.  We are learning that we are not able to do this when we simply react and do.  Readiness takes time, patience, and a willingness to see beyond the immediate.
Even as my criticism began to bubble within, I found myself called to a mirror.  The discovery when I took the time to reflect was far from pretty.  I am far more like those that are critical of our company's approach than I am willing to admit!  I talk and go into action without reflection.  I muse and then respond even as I hear the calling to simply be.  The recoil action engages without thought, contemplation, or consideration.  The simple fact is that my normal response is to engage in life without deliberation or intent.  I am not ready or prepared.
In an old story, “there was a man crippled from birth being carried up.  Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple.”  (Acts 3.2, 3)  He had no idea what would happen or when, yet he took the initial steps to be prepared with the help of others.
Today's dawn brings an interesting opportunity to you and me.  There is a standing invitation to reflect with God on the day.  We are invited to prepare with the Spirit.  We can be ready for living.