Elementary

It’s been a while since the last post. There are a number of reasons for this but I think the most significant centre on focus and purpose. As I have written previously it has been quite challenging adjusting to the most recent steps in the Hope and Kindness journey. Judi and I have seemed to have so many different things to do that it has been hard gaining traction on any of them. Fortunately God hasn't lost track of where we are. His hand points us in the right direction. When you feel you’ve been walking round in circles for a while it comes as a great relief when God points and says “Go that way.”

My most recent epiphany has come about as a result of:

• Watching a lot of old detective series on the Alibi channel (New Tricks and Lewis especially!) 
• Re-reading a John Maxwell book called “Be All You Can Be: A Challenge To Stretch Your God Given Potential.”
• Making a tough decision.
• Receiving some good news immediately after making the tough decision.

I like to feel that I am well informed, knowledgeable and highly competent before acting. I guess a lot of people feel the same. This attitude has helped me on a number of occasions. It has also, unfortunately, often led me to a state of decision paralysis. I don’t have Eureka moments all that often but I had one this evening. In the John Maxwell book I came across one of the most challenging questions I've ever read. John Maxwell asked:

“If you could be anything you wanted to be and do what you wanted to do, what would you be or do?”

It really made me think. After thinking for a while, an important truth dawned on me. One which will, I hope, help me to prepare for next year in Kenya much more effectively.

Life isn't about knowing all the right answers. It’s about asking the right questions.

The Alibi channel might seem like an unlikely source of inspiration, but asking the right questions is what all the best detectives do.