In lunar terms, it is a new year. Although it is the 2nd New Year in a matter of weeks, it is worth revisiting the reflections of the last big New Year. What is working, what is not? Are things going the way I thought they would?
There are yeses as well as a no or two. Life never plays out the way one expects. One is influenced by the choices of others; recent history caught me off guard. Some you thought were supporters turned out to have different agendas. Team and community were not part of their vocabulary. In the midst of the randomness, there were many developments following a familiar path.
If there was a single revelation that is always a good reminder for me to replay, check the starting point. Is the premise where one begins correct? Before analyzing numbers, is the starting point correct? Before evaluating how the journey has gone, take a fresh look. Was my starting point correct? Did I miss something in setting the stage?
The journey so far, between one New Year and the next, is that while the starting point was technically correct it was missing several priorities. Life has taken the liberty of reminding me along the way, truing up what was missing. To everyone willing to be part of the process, thank-you! Your words and counsel are priceless gifts. I look forward to giving to others what you have willingly shared with me.
To anyone discouraged with the challenges, pain, and uncertainty that are reality, I would offer the following words that I used in response to the cries within. Life is never about being perfect. Life is about being present, engaged, and living. Sometimes it is ugly. It is also beautiful, painful, and uncertain. At times I know great Hope standing in contrast to periods of intense darkness. Old words still ring true; “Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, but he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.” (Psalm 31.23)
