I have a stack of requests on my desk. They range from the benign to critical, simple to pointless (at least from what I can see). For every one I answer, several arrive. I find myself buried by list that never seems to shrink. I wish there was a filter that I could employ that would intelligently block ones that I should ignore. So far, I have not found one that I could safely use.
Many requests present a conundrum. How can I respond honestly without creating a problem of my making? Is there a respectful way of telling someone they do not know what they are talking about? Can one politely ignore a request without the lack of a response making a statement of disrespect to someone involved?
I am not sure it helps to know that others have struggled with this before me. When I read an old character’s conundrum, I initially did not find myself any closer to the answer to what I should do with my challenge. On reflection, his candid conversation offers a couple of ideas.
“He [Paul] requested a trial before Caesar and I agreed to send him to Rome. But what am I going to write to my master, Caesar? All the charges made by the Jews were fabrications, and I’ve uncovered nothing else.” (Acts 25.26a)
I find three reminders.
However I respond to a request brings with it responsibilities. A non-response is an answer. I am accountable to this answer. In responding, I am also accountable for the actions that should follow. The question is never one of responding or not; it is one of responsibility and accountability.
Making the right decision does not mean that I know what to do next. It is naïve to think that the right path is always obvious. One can, and often should, step forward without knowing the steps that follow.
Analysis can be helpful. However, analysis does not always lead to an answer. Sometimes answers are beyond our reach.
Living with uncertainty may not seem ideal, however, it is real.
