You could see the attack building. If I had been at the heart of the discussion, I would have gone into action before the attack reached its firing point. In this case, everyone seemed willing to wait until it was too late.
In the middle of the explosion, I finally chose a side. While I sympathetic to everyone involved on how we got to the moment at hand, I felt compelled to take a stand. As I think about the lifecycle from where I saw the conflict emerge to the failure, I have a fresh appreciation for what Divinity goes through each time She anticipates a crisis emerging and then unfolding in my life. The fresh lessons are variations on ones I have heard before.
Breaking out of a pattern is never easy. It takes courage and often a helping hand to take the first step. As monumental as the first step is, it is first among many to follow. As a person who inspires me every day continues to demonstrate, it takes belief, desire, and perseverance to stay on the path.
If one wants to do something earlier, one must learn to recognize and identify the situation in its early stages. This is not a one step, fix everything process. As I replayed the lifecycle, I suspected that the problem was more fundamental and core than anyone suspected. An investigation into the background, several conversations later, and an initial premise has reminded me of the importance of always starting at the center. At the center, one cannot err in what direction one takes. If everyone begins at the center, there is hope for harmony and great outcomes.
When courage and insight come together with care and kindness, there is a doorway which opens. Through this doorway, bad things can be identified and dealt with without attacking the hearts and minds. It takes the old psalmist’s words, “See how I hate those who hate you, God, see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;” (Psalm 139.21) and transforms them into actions which restore and build.
