In my experience, everyone has a trigger or two in her/his life. It may be simple to others, but how another behaves in traffic can bring the hidden beast out of many. Then there is the false accusation or less than humorous jibe. For others, it is the confrontation with uncertainty. In my life, the most frequent trigger is the false accusation of carelessness about someone or some part of my team.
In looking at the current wave of outbursts, there is a thread that links them together.
Anyone can succumb to a trigger. The strongest fall when they least expect it. Those that believe they are invincible are often the first to lose control.
Everyone who lasts for any length of time is constantly on guard. Metaphorically, they are sailors who are too close to shore. They are constantly checking themselves. Just like the sailor, “sounding, they measured a depth of 120 feet, and shortly after that ninety feet.” (Acts 27.28)
Leaders spend time reflecting, learning, and then engage in new ways. It does not seem to matter if they are in leadership roles or not. The way that they engage in the business of living draws others to them.
In the past few weeks, I have lost the plot and found it. The two extremes are humbling. The experience has been a hard reminder of how thin the edge is. Any can fail, badly. Anyone can lose the plot. The last trigger can be in and of itself, not consequential. It merely happed to be the one on the tipping point.
Today dawns and I sit wondering what will happen. Will I be intentional in everything I do? Can I stay focused on my priorities? Are my values really my values?
I know there are no guarantees. Life does not stay on script. I do know that Compassion wants to be with me. I understand how love can strengthen one in the darkest hours. You and I will be tested. It is never about winning. It is always about how we act and respond.
