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Startup Day 366

It has been a year and a day since Empowered Together's pilot launched. On the actual one-year anniversary, I was too tapped out to reflect in a meaningful way. I pulled together a meager post in the evening and called it a day. 

How come? Well, I was tired from the day's strategy offsite, reflecting on what's working, what's not, and where we're headed. I also got a couple pieces of disappointing news: I didn't get into an accelerator I was hoping for and a prospective pilot partner declined our proposal. 

My life involves a lot of holding things in tension -- family and work, disability discrimination and hope for a better future, knowing where Empowered Together is headed and thwarted on the way there. This all aligns perfectly with the ultimate tension of the "already but not yet" nature of God's kingdom. Things on this earth are complicated and imperfect. I catch glimmers of God at work, of His love piercing the darkness, of Jesus' compassion showing up in the way a mom cares for her child. The kingdom of God is already at hand but not yet fulfilled.

This helps me make sense of the minor frustrations I encounter on my founder's journey. Disappointments are bound to come this side of glory. I wonder about my disappointments, though, and see another fascinating tension emerge -- making my plans and pursuing God's will. Thwarting of my plans may actually be in favor of God's will. 

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