The tension in the meeting was tangible, almost electric. Everything about this meeting for challenging. First, it should not have been needed. If both sides had done what they needed to have done, the need to meet would not have materialized. Second, the participants had firm views that were very different. Third, everyone’s ego was at risk.
By all accounts promises had been made. While the breath and scope of the content was up for debate, the commitment itself was something everyone agreed to. The major point of contention was timing. For one, dates mattered. For the other, dates were indicative. Reasonable effort was the approach that everyone should focus on, dates would follow.
As tensions increased and tempers flared, I wonder if there was a way forward. The tactical agreement lasted a few days, only to self destruct with the next deliverable date. As I look back, struggling with the dates, commitment, and reality, I am reminded of Charlie Peacock’s lyrics in Dear Friend. “Dear friends, He is not slow in keeping His promises as some understand slowness to be. Keep a watch out, don’t lose faith, he said, he would come for you. He’s gonna come for you, you wait and see, just wait and see.”
I wish there was an end to this story with a lesson you and I could take with us. It is still unfolding. I am unsure what will come next. I do know that dates and expectations are universal conundrums. Promises made centuries ago have been fulfilled in some ways and yet remain outstanding; “The heavens announce that he’ll set everything right, and everyone will see it happen – glorious!” (Psalm 97.6) I look forward to the day when the cycle ends and things are written.
For now, we will do what we can to take steps forward. Each lost opportunity open a door for a fresh step. The challenge then and now is to hold onto hope and courage. Our ongoing calling is to live engaged and walk steady, working to make this world a better place.
