There is no entity – no organization, family, business or parish – that does not face the continuous call for reinvention, the relentless pressure of change.
Human beings are incredibly resourceful when reacting to change. In the face of crises thrust upon us by unforeseen circumstances, we get focused, collaborative, creative and adaptive.
Human beings are incredibly stubborn when initiating change. We put off what’s good for us, those shifts that we know will make us healthier, more effective, more sustainable, because we get comfortable. And when we get comfortable, we get stuck.
The temptation in this stuck place is to go it alone; to either give up completely or to double down on our own efforts, often repeating those that haven’t worked so far. We get stuck in a downward spiral, the only way out of which is to summon the help of others.
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” ~ Luke 10:1
Just like the disciples were not sent out alone, we are not meant to toil alone. When we are stuck, in fact, the only way out is through the strength of our relationships; true vulnerability with others, true reliance on others.
Perhaps today a few moments of reflection on how you will go forward, “two by two.”
DAVID BERRY is the author of “A More Daring Life: Finding Voice at the Crossroads of Change” and the founder of RULE13 Learning. He speaks and writes about the complexity of leading in a changing world. Connect with him on Twitter at @berrydavid.
