Just Passing Through

This week I've been involved in a couple of uncomfortable meetings. You know the kind--where something needs to be addressed that has the potential to make the listener angry or embarrassed or defensive. Its an awkward position for colleagues--perhaps particularly in a school. Elementary school teachers spend all day every day being the ultimate expert. That can make it difficult to accept advice or critique.

Knowing that correcting the problem is vital, and the benefits are well worth some rumpled feathers--does not really make the task any more appealing. So as our team discussed the best way to address these issues with our colleagues--one made the comment, "Make Sheila tell 'em--she's leaving anyway."

I heartily agreed. After all,  I'm a short-timer at this point. Only a few more months and I'm off to Nicaragua. In many ways, I'm just passing through. As long as the message is received, what cost is a little awkwardness between us?

Don't worry. The meetings went fine--a bit uncomfortable for a few moments, but a benefit acknowledged by all involved.

So what's the point?  Well, aren't we all just passing through this earth on our way elsewhere?  Aren't we all short timers? How often have I let the fear of a little awkwardness in a relationship that is temporary hold me back from sharing words that could make that relationship eternal? I was so surprised by the courage and freedom granted by those words "...she's leaving anyway." I pray each of us holds tight to the thought from that favorite old song, we are "just passing through."