Waypoints and Words by Thomas Fideler

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A journal of commentary, narrative and poetry about navigating through life

the flameFebruary 25, 2004

Collateral Glory

by Thomas Fideler

There is a realization that is gaining weight and momentum in my life. It is this: What I do and say, how my life unfolds, has far greater impact on those who intersect with me on this journey than I have previously understood (or maybe, have been willing to acknowledge). All those whose paths I cross, watch and listen to me, just as I do them. They take in my words and actions and play off of them directly or indirectly; they are affected by and often carry on the message I am transmitting, regardless of its nature.

I have taught corporate workshops to executives about whole systems theory, during which I have labored to help leaders understand the "vicious and virtuous circles" they set in motion. In simple terms, the words, actions, and decisions these leaders manifest at any moment in time affect all other parts of the organizational system in which they live and work - for better or for worse - and continue to affect the organization for many years thereafter. None of us are islands unto ourselves; we are all part of the main. As followers of Jesus this is an essential understanding, since our actions have eternal consequences.

Even though I have taught others about the manner in which we all affect the social and organizational systems around us, I often fail to consistently fit my own life and actions, as a believer, into this systems picture. But I am not without hope. Jesus died and rose again so that I, by the Spirit, would be able to daily live the life to which I have been called - to manifest the peace, hope and love He so clearly demonstrated.

We are wayfarers in a world that faces tumultuous times in the year 2009 and ahead. But within the scope of these times we have the opportunity to affect those about us for better rather than worse, setting in motion virtuous rather than vicious circles, exhibiting the Spirit of Christ rather than our lower nature. I wrote the poem, "Like You," as a prayer to our Father, regarding His peace, hope, and love that I want to manifest during these troubled times. I want to affect, for my Father and by my Father, all whose lives I touch, whose spirits and souls my words and actions impact. I think of it as collateral glory.

Like You

Peace who are you,
Who holds the calm
While this storm rages
About the ship of my life,
Testing every sail and stay,
Pounding from bow to stern
Every plank that is assailable?

Hope, how did you come
To possess resolute sight,
To see the rising that is not yet
As though it is come in fullness,
Who, in tempestuous days
Of darkness, foam and surge,
Sees the way in unobstructed light?

Love, how do you
Burn with perfect ardor,
Spurned, you yet pursue,
Requiting mercy for hate,
Compassion in the face of railing,
Rendering grace and life,
With never failing love?

Lord, give me your peace to hold the calm,
While the storm rages about me,
And hope to see beyond the darkness,
Unfailing love that extends
Beyond what I see and hear,
That reaches out and embraces,
Heart and soul, like you.

- Thomas Fideler

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