Risk: possibility of loss or injury
[Merriam-Webster]
A glance at the sign that accompanies this post and one would be wise to be cautious. There’s little doubt a step in the wrong direction, even a tiny one, could end with serious loss or injury, or worse.
You and I have a pretty good understanding of our personal wherewithal to tolerate risk. This awareness is likely grounded in life experiences as children and adults and the outcomes of certain circumstances.
For me, the key word in the definition? Possibility. Given that reality, what if our choice to say yes or no to in a situation of potential risk, even in light of favorable consequences, hangs on our comfort level with possibility?
For example . . .
It’s been a long time since I talked with an old friend. I could initiate contact with that person, however—and here’s the risky part—what if they hang up on me? Or choose to ignore my call? What if I believe that to take that risk portends a high possibility for an unpleasant outcome?
My current job involves long hours, short pay, and little opportunity for positive change or advancement. I could hand in my resignation, however—and here’s the risky part—what if my boss can’t open the door fast enough for me to make a respectable exit? Or what if I can’t find another job? What if I believe the possibility of financial, emotional, or intellectual loss or injury is enough to keep me quiet?
I am invited by a community organization to get up in front of a gathering and make a presentation about my volunteer activities and how others might join me in this important work, however—and here’s the risky part—what if I mumble or stumble and make a fool of myself? What if I believe that the risk to share, even with heartfelt enthusiasm, is more likely than not to end in embarrassment or, by my definition, failure?
What each of these examples have in common is the subjectivity of possibility. In other words, how much of any willingness to take a risk involves specific, concrete fact, i.e., the cliff sign, and how much is defined by our perspective that has emerged over time as a result of similar situations that may not have turned out as we hoped?
Past experiences carry a lot of weight in present decision-making. By the same token, we don’t have to let what we view as negative or unpleasant stifle our desires, subtle as they may be, to make different choices now.
To take a risk—get out of our comfort zone—can often be the impetus for discovering new insights about the Divine, the world, the people around us, and ourselves. The good news is that when we do choose to take this step, blessings may abound.
What does it mean to me to take a risk?
How much weight does possibility bring to bear in my decision-making process?
What if God desires to work through my risk-taking to bless others?
