Home Straight

Well that was an interesting day.  So much planning and organization had gone into it.  We wanted to get things done so we could say that hurdle has been overcome and 2023 would be clean slate.
To achieve that goal there were a number of things that needed to be done.  Our aim was to have our facility (church) looking good and user friendly for what we called our Grand Opening. 
I was one of many that had a part to play in it happening.  All sorts of committees were formed to achieve desired outcomes by a certain date.  My role as Facilities Manager was to ensure everything came together on the day.  Some things I and others did, and other things were beyond me, but there were experts organized to get it done.
I would be less than being honest if I did not say there are days I think “why am I putting myself through this?”  There is the stress of self-expectations, and the stress of other people’s expectations and the having to say the hard truth in love.  The blowing it and self-recriminations.  The thinking of something that needs to be done at 3 am in the morning.
Yet I would also be being less than honest if I did not say I would not have it any other way.  What I look for in others is passion not perfection.  If someone wants something to go well, they will do what it takes to make it happen.  It is easy to see the person who is just in it for themselves and will run at the first sign of trouble.  This is probably a whole other topic I could write about if I have not already.
The thing for me is I feel a sense of ownership.  When the goal is the same, I will do all I can to assist someone else who has a sense of ownership.  I am careful not to step on people’s toes.  I do understand that someone else who has a different role working towards the same goal, has their own way which is important to them.
For example, today there were people providing a meal for many.  My role was to ensure it happened and to help on the day where I could, but it was not to do it.  As long as it was done in a manner acceptable to the whole, I was hands off.  I could leave that to the experts.  I did though enjoy the fruit of their labour.  I am really good at eating – just not so good at cooking.
Anyway, when today dawned I thought “this is the home straight.”  I had listed things that still needed doing.  So I got to the centre early and did what needed to be done.
As is so often the case in these matters what looked seamless required a lot of work from a lot of people.  But I guess that is a good thing.  To me a successful event is one where nothing unscheduled and untoward happens.  This was such a day. 
I had time to do what I had to do and then to do what I enjoy most.  Mix and mingle.  People are incredibly interesting and have amazing stories to tell even in describing the mundane.  My role is a means to an end, and not an end itself.  If others are comfortable in the environment I try to create, then I am comfortable too.