Currents not founded in Christ flow around us, pulling and pushing at our thoughts and attitudes. It is not the intent of the drifter to be carried away, but the consequence of not recognizing the presence and effects of currents.
Wise leaders learn from their previous experiences in cross-cultural situations. In this anecdote, Bill was well-prepared to face the physical challenges and slight inconveniences associated with his environment. One of his assumptions, however, resulted in a productive lesson learned in humility and vulnerability.
The long view, a generational view, is the kind of view that provokes patience and compels us to initiate collaboration with the generations before and after us in accomplishing Kingdom work. God has included in the assignment of each generation, the intentional sowing into those who are coming up after us.
The muffled rant out in the hall prompted the fading in of a closed-eyes smile across my travel-worn face. It wasn't the words of the outburst – garbled French curses for the sake of quiet – but the images from earlier that night that animated a mind's view of what I could not see presently. I will share with you what I saw that you may smile with me but first, I hope you allow me to do my best in bringing your imagination to the Palm Beach. Should I succeed, perhaps you will have a greater appreciation from which to share my smile.