As I read this morning, a sense of gratefulness occupied my thoughts as I reflected on the various initiatives in my life, many brick and mortar, under funded impossibilities, that now stand as a testimony to perseverance.
However, none of those were "Lone Ranger" projects, be they affordable senior housing, day school expansions, student housing, church based resource centers, and of late multifamily facilities.
These thoughts came about as I was reflecting on a few verses in the Book of Daniel. Interestingly, three individuals are noted by their original names, rather than the names so often used, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the fiery furnace friends.
"Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions"
Dan.2:17
I love yhe nuance of Scripture, for Daniel knew who they realy were!
Verses 2:14-19 then spoke more fully to me of crisis moments in my past, though none life and death as was Daniel's case, but there were moments when vision alone was not enough.
Those life moments require that one "chill out", circle the wagons and consult with deeply trusted friends. Those who know your heart, respect your calling and as well, sense a deep respect from you toward themselves and their unique skill sets. I'll call that a respect for the collective wisdom.
Throw in a disciplined spiritually and you now have the recipe for the impossible! Your own "StoneSoup".
I see that happening on a daily basis, botj in the marketplace as well as within the nonprofit arena to which so much of my life has been given.
Just this week, conversations about a parcel of land desired for a vocational community, a true legacy vision. When first walking the grounds, an impossible dream. We now have means in sight for its purchase.
An historical home that when walked through with three others, opens a whole world of possibilities for its sustainable preservation and reuse, a community keepsake.
In many such cases, I believe the secret sauce is a shared respect for the God of the heavens, with answers that come in the night, even individuals moved sufficiently to release resources heretofore unseen.
"Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: he revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee." Dan.2: 19-23 KJV.
Now you know the recipe for Stone Soup!