FINDING YOUR WHY

As the decade ended, a dear confidante and 35-year-long soul friend of mine, Paul E. Ralph, embarked on a one-month reflection through Simon Sinek’s ‘Finding Your Why’ exercises. In the process, PER invited me and a handful of trusted friends into his journey. The outcome was so inspiring that I asked him if I might share the results. "Inspiring" because, in his words, I recognized my friend as he already is, not just what he hopes to become. I found myself saying, "Yes, this is the man I know and cherish. I'm so glad he could see that radiant soul as I do." But his discoveries were also an inspiring challenge. He articulated longings in me as to the WHY, WHAT and HOW of my true self. I see in these powerful intentions the glory-to-glory transfiguration that could take humanity into its destiny as Christlike image-bearers. This is not to say that Paul has arrived at his telos. But I must say, the truth of his being is becoming the way of his being. I asked him if I could share his descriptions because beyond refracting the beauty of my friend, his words also serve as wise guides for my journey–for your journey–"further up and further in." Behold … from PER:

WHY AM I HERE TODAY

To notice and affirm the beauty of dignity & grace (the Imago Dei) in the world around me. In the obvious and the unexpected, in the triumph and the tragedy, and in the delicious ambiguities of life. And, to invite others to consider the same.

HOW WILL I LIVE TODAY

Expectantly, pregnant with anticipation for the grandeur of this grander thing unfolding. I will be relentlessly curious, authentically encouraging, unconventionally vulnerable, respectfully attentive and generously intentional.

WHAT WILL I DO TODAY

I will love people more than things, and I will cultivate conversations of unhurried intimacy, and I will risk, because… to love is the danger from which there is no retreat. Today, I desire to have interactions with people that nudge us all toward the best versions of ourselves. Today, I will seek to engage in conversations that fire the imagination, ignite love, seek wisdom, embrace forgiveness, and foster belonging. I will seek to live holistically today, paying attention to the mind, body and spirit. I will learn to be increasingly present in the moment while I savor the seasons of life. I will celebrate my favorite things: the sun & the wind, food & drink, prayer, laughter, learning, music & the written word, and exploring the human experience. In those aspects of life that perplex me, I will seek patience and understanding. And, in season, I will garden. I will garden in order to remain rooted, to bear witness to the cycle of life, death and rebirth, and to reflect the restoration of all things.