If they would only do what I tell them to do

Other people are the key to making your idea happen. They can also feel like the biggest obstacle to getting anything done. Here’s a story that might feel familiar.

People may not do things the way you think they should.

If everyone just did things the way we tell them they ought to, then everything would be fine, right? That’s what I keep saying, but it’s a trap.

It’s like the local church that has a tradition of serving meals for bereaved families after funerals. One young volunteer showed up to help cook and serve, and one of the church ladies told her off because she cut the pickles the wrong way! 

Now we can laugh about that, because we’ve all seen those picky people who need everything just so. But they forgot something important:

It’s not about the pickles.

It’s about letting a family grieve and receive a gift from their church community, and letting people in the church community share their gifts.

It’s not about perfection.

Control isn’t our goal. Efficiency isn’t our goal.

Community is our goal.

You miss the innovation, camaraderie, fellowship, and growth when you insist everything be done your way, and only your way. Maybe that young volunteer had a better way to slice the pickles!