There have been several times recently when I have reflected on how we respond during times of uncertainty or change. I moved to Wisconsin right after the Governor announced a budget proposal that would make major changes in a number of service systems. There is much uncertainty in how things will look in the future. Many groups are telling me they are in a holding pattern waiting to see what emerges: that they have boxed themselves in and will come out in awhile.

In another community, 30-35 citizens from a variety of backgrounds were gathering to build relationships and identify what they wanted to do together to make their community a better place. This week I spent time with an agency that during these uncertain times was planning for how they become more intentional about getting out of their box and building relationships with others.

It seems that having our radar on and building relationships with new partners: and seeing what emerges will help us through difficult times and help us to jump out of our box. Then we can discover ideas and solutions that we can create together.