Bridging the Gap
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by Donna Smither Mollenkopf
My college-age son has a list of one hundred achievements that he would like to accomplish in his lifetime. Some of these goals he has already mastered--attain certification in scuba diving, become an Eagle Scout, and go on a mission trip. So when we were vacationing in Vancouver, British Columbia, this summer, he informed me that walking on the 110-year-old suspension bridge at Capilano was on his "One Hundred Accomplishments" list.While I agreed to drive to the area (determined not to set foot on the swaying bridge), he argued that since we both had a fear of heights, we both could venture across the 450-foot bridge together. And so after a few deep breaths, a tight grip on the cold, steel cable, and with a sense of determination, I set out across the cedar planks. With the Capilano River rushing 230 feet below us and with the more than gentle sway of a bridge oscillating from the paths of many more adventurous walkers, we crossed to the other side of the canyon. But I soon realized that getting there was only half of the journey, as the only way to return was to cross back.
After a hike and a spectacular view of the canyon and the river from a lookout on the other side, I began to appreciate the old growth forest, the 200-foot waterfall and the amazement that we had crossed over this splendor. I also became aware that these marvels were only on the periphery of my thoughts and sights when I crossed to the other side. So in returning, I set out with a different sense of the task in front of me.
With my knees looser, my gait more confident and my breathing easier, I used the cable as a guide. I stopped along the way to look at the lush trees and admire the rushing water cascading over the rocks. Smelling the cold crisp air, I sensed the metaphor of this small journey as the thought popped into my head, "This is just like my job!" I can look out at the potential problems that lie ahead of me; plan, set agendas and do all the strategic behaviors that result in the desired outcome; or become sensitive to the opportunities and lessons in front of me.
Either from a sense of caution, anxiety or fear, or from a sense that the Spirit is moving in me and in others to move toward creative resolution, I can go about the same daily tasks and problems. In operating from a deeper place within myself, I can be open to that still, small voice that ultimately gets me across the terrain of a hectic day and at the same time allows me to stop along the way and appreciate the mystery and the beauty of what is happening around me. While that may be more subtle than rushing rivers, it is no less spectacular than the lush cedar forest and the appreciation I missed when I crossed the bridge from a lack of trust.
Just before I transitioned to my new job, I went on a silent retreat to become centered and to seek clarity about how I would go about the new challenges facing me. It appeared as if I had ventured out across a gap and I was unsure how I would get to the security of the other side. After that week of silence and with continued time spent in daily silence and occasional retreats, I find that I do my job from a deeper knowing. I can't explain how it happens, but I have a sense of a Spirit that moves, molds and shapes my world. And when the job seems like a suspension bridge that sways from the strong forces whirling around me, I find respite in the God who holds me and loves me despite my successes or failures.
The attention to my soul and the time set aside for the invitation of God to meet in silence becomes more and more necessary to make the connection between my spirituality and my executive level work; to sustain me in meeting the numerous situations that come at me each day; and to see and appreciate the splendor of a living presence in my work. While I have always seen my work as ministry, Shalem's Soul of the Executive Program was the catalyst to do the soul work that deepens that ministry and encourages me to see new perspectives and mysteries in my workplace.
Donna, Director of the Master of Arts Teaching Program at Goucher College, is a graduate of Shalem's Soul of the Executive Program.
© 2008 The Shalem Institute.