When ideas are born, the steps to validate and share the idea always seems to come with a tripwire. Validating is challenging and intense. You put yourself out, willing to be challenged, even dismissed. I fight through with hope and optimism driven by belief and conviction. As this process gains momentum, the trip wire begins with the premise that the idea will be easily understood and adopted. Nothing will get in one’s way.
The trip wire is firmly set by the time one begins to present the idea with the intent to put it into action. With the validation step behind one, what comes next should be a mix of execution and celebration! When it is not, one tends to metaphorically slow down and talk louder. By this time, one has tripped and the frustration to follow is merely a matter of time.
The false premise which is my trip wire is a simple one when I separate it from the idea. It is this; what is obvious to me should, will, is obvious to you. If it is not, then I should speak more slowly and with more force in my voice. Life likes to remind me of the hundreds of reasons others have no idea what I am talking about. Using the same words in a different manner will not change this.
This is not a new challenge. Writers across many generations have puzzled over this reality. I believe one’s actions reflect the truth of what is within one’s heart. These are old words; “Isn’t it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are ‘works of faith’?” (James 2.22) As convicted as I am, the writer was, not everyone agrees. The lesson mantras I hold onto include the following.
Always start with an individual and where s/he is. It is where the first step begins.
Every question should be answered with care, kindness, and respect. Questers are often doorways.
Patience is a gift few deserve, give it without measure. After all, we are family.
