A 30,000 ft Viewpoint - episode 107
Alvin Coda and I met a couple of years ago when my primary doctor recommended him for the annual skin check. So, yes, he’s a dermatologist. What struck me about him from minute-one was his warmth, humor and ease. We even talked about the podcast at that initial appointment and he genuinely seemed interested. He momentarily left the room, came back in and said he had subscribed. How’s that for bedside manner? Fast forward, I’ve been back for appointments, and that initial impression was exactly the same, maybe even more so. Out of his earshot, I commented to his assistant, you must enjoy working with him. And she said, yes, it’s going on five years and I really do.
I went into this conversation with Alvin suspecting I’d be thrilled with the outcome and I am. I relish his 30,000 foot outlook on life in being a good person, doing good things while he is multi-tasking making his wife one of her favorite dinners. And while I may not agree with his choice of Stepbrothers for a favorite movie, I appreciate his rationale for finding depth and beauty in it. I think that’s who he is - passionate, caring and ready to persevere.
Passionate. Caring. Competitive.
— Alvin Coda
And it is Good
Thoughts from A 30,000 ft Viewpoint
Alvin’s macro perspective of pulling back to see the big picture got me to thinking. If I do that with my life as a whole I can see how so many things were pieced together to work out better for me in the long run. Like Alvin mentioned in the-wisdom-he-keeps-handy, Things will work out the way they’re supposed to, even if you don’t understand the plan. And let’s face it. You would not voluntarily sign up for some of the things you’ve gone through in your life. You would opt out because we are built to avoid pain and discomfort. But when you look back can you see how it ended up working for your good somehow, some way?
It brings me to one translation of my favorite verse, We know that God causes all things to work for good to those who love him and to those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28. This became a life jacket for me when our son died. I did see the good that came from it. Ultimately. Lavish provision by the people in our life and beyond. Let’s be clear. I would rather have Christian here with me and live life with him, raise him, and see the person he would become. I’ve written about this part of my life both in these blogs and in a book, Standing Tall - A Collection of Mourning. The good? A daughter who came after him who I think needed me more than he did. That’s God’s call, not mine.
During another painful chapter, I was deeply hurt by a friend. It was unexpected and searing. I wasn’t sure how I would, and could, forward. Somehow I did because that’s what you do. I have to choose better over bitter. I did gain my footing eventually and carried on shell-shocked. Then little by little I became stronger. The good? I gained a new friend and she is a treasure. We get together once a month for dinner to stay connected. We are close and I’m glad. Another good? I took what I learned and, along with other experiences, created this podcast committed to authenticity, transparency and vulnerability. All the things I’ve come to love in others, and in myself.
Early on I was a classroom teacher primarily for the 5th grade and it was fulfilling as I’ve written about previously. I relished my time with each class. I figured I’d be there for the duration. Fast forward 10+ years and we found ourselves with new leadership. Their philosophy was anything goes as long as you get the results you want. To say unethical, unprofessional, nay even un-Christianlike conduct was the norm, is an understatement. By the end of the year, 11 of us left. I was devastated on the one hand and yet convicted on the other that I would not follow leadership that conducted itself in such an abhorrent way. Although painful, I recovered quickly. The good? The next career I had would be long and lasting, 15 years worth of creativity, fulfillment and mentoring where I felt seen and valued. Another good? Lots of people came into my life that blessed it. Many of them have graced this podcast, I’m happy to say.
These are three fairly random examples. Honestly I could choose any hard time in my life and trace the good. I believe if you look at all the awful, ugly things that happen out there in the world you will ultimately see good come from it. I challenge you to follow the hand of God and see what he’s up to. It’s there. You have to look. You need to be intentional about it. Turn around and really pay attention. Once you find it you will see, and feel, how loved you are. That’s the micro view. And it is good.
Good came after and her name is Taylor.
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 - Romans 8:28
