Soul Path Insights

This past week was a whirlwind of activity, filled with deadlines, reports, and events that stretched me thin. My role in organizing a team-building event for our branch at the Getty Villa added another layer of responsibility to an already busy week. With so much to handle, I felt the temptation to worry or become stressed. But I remembered the scripture from Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This verse became my anchor, reminding me that things always work out in the end, especially when approached with trust and prayer. I held on to this mindset, choosing faith over worry, believing that even if things didn’t go perfectly, they would still turn out for good. As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” I decided to take one step at a time, trusting that the rest would unfold as it should.

With this faith-centered approach, I took charge of all the details for the event—reserving tickets, coordinating transportation, and sending out multiple reminders to ensure everyone knew the plan. I cast my anxieties aside, remembering to “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Despite all the preparations, there were still small challenges along the way. For example, some team members didn’t check the potluck sign-up list, which resulted in duplicate items like chips. Yet, these small setbacks didn’t detract from the overall success of the day. We ended up with a great spread of food, from burgers and bratwurst to potato salad, pasta salad, fruits, and even shrimp scampi. This abundance brought everyone together, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and sharing, which is often where the real connection happens.

Initially, I planned an icebreaker bingo game to help everyone, especially the new team member, feel more connected. However, due to time constraints and other pressing tasks, I couldn’t create the bingo sheets in time. Instead, I quickly pivoted to a “Two Truths and a Lie” game on the spot. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The game sparked lively conversations, with people sharing unique stories and learning surprising things about each other. I noticed that some participants took a bit of time to come up with their truths and lies, which made me reflect on how often we don’t spend time thinking deeply about who we are. It reminded me of the quote by Robert Burns: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Sometimes, our spontaneous choices turn out better than our original plans, and that’s where the magic happens.

The experience showed me that adaptability can be more valuable than a perfect plan. I realized that while “the heart of man plans his way, the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). My role was to remain flexible and open to changes, trusting that God was guiding each step. And that guidance was evident when the game not only lightened the atmosphere but also brought about deeper engagement. Some even found the challenge of introspection surprising; it was an exercise in self-awareness, something we often overlook in our busy lives.

The event also included a brief overview of our programs to help our new colleague understand our work better. This balance between fun and orientation helped everyone feel more aligned and connected. Later, one of my colleagues emailed me to express how much she enjoyed the event and how it helped her feel more integrated into the team. This feedback, along with my boss’s praise, made me realize that all the preparation, faith, and flexibility had come together to create a meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Reflecting on the week, I couldn’t help but think of Winston Churchill’s words: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Each challenge was an opportunity to exercise courage, faith, and resilience. By focusing on these, the week’s chaos turned into a series of small victories that culminated in a successful event. It taught me that when we trust, adapt, and stay grounded in our faith, we can turn any situation into a positive experience.

Soul Insights

1. Faith Over Worry: When faced with overwhelming tasks, choose faith over stress. Trust that things will work out, and focus on what you can control. Instead of worrying, pray and trust in God’s plan.

2. Embrace Flexibility: Plans don’t always go as expected, and that’s okay. Being adaptable, like switching the icebreaker at the last minute, can lead to unexpected blessings.

3. Value of Teamwork: Successful events and projects rely on good communication and collaboration. Keep everyone informed and engaged, as teamwork makes the dream work.

4. Reflect for Awareness: Activities that encourage self-reflection, like “Two Truths and a Lie,” reveal how little we sometimes think about who we are. Take moments to be more self-aware and explore your truths.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize the efforts you put into making things work and celebrate the small victories along the way. They build momentum and encourage a positive outlook.

© 2024 Amelie Chambord