DIVINE GRACE

 DIVINE GRACE

 

Grace is what every one desires in every thing. For such a grace to pervade in all our plans and performance, a set of processes has to occur in a sequence. This sequence is not under the control of a few individuals. However meticulous our plans may be, chances of things going astray are not ruled out. Does it reflect our failure to foresee?  Not at all. Foreseeing and planning ahead, are anticipatory exercises conceived for a definite pattern of happenings. If this pattern gets confused on its own, of what value are our plans? Any plan is workable so long as it abides by the schedule. If a key step shifts in time, others to follow may witness major changes including a cancellation of a couple of items on the agenda. The saying “Man proposes and God disposes” reflects the reality. A non-believer may say –We should plan for every exigency. True that no one wants to get caught unawares. But, how we would be caught can not be predicted. Things happen so.

At best, one may anticipate dislocation but can not predict its pattern. Therefore the state of preparedness can be more mental than either organizational or physical. It is not as if always dislocations occur. But, they can potentially occur at any time. To expect the unexpected should be our watch word in life. These are easy to say but hard to practice when we are amidst varied requirements. So, one has to look for ways of avoiding disappointments.  Let me make it very clear that I have nothing up my sleeves and I am at best trying to see what could be done. Therefore, if some of my opinions on the item[s] do not satisfy the requirements, your personal preferences should take automatic precedence.

Options:         There are some ways of getting organized for an occasion. Much depends on the aspects of the scale, the nature of the event, the profile of invitees, our obligation towards them and above all what we prefer to have and our budget.                                    To personally organize and supervise the various steps is perhaps the best option. But, as time advances, our presence would be required at all places. This may lead to burden and hypertension. One approach can be to phase out arrangements and complete all preparations well in time. As the event approaches, delegation of responsibility and authority to a select few may help. This can ease pressure and accord due importance to the right people. All the important aspects may be handed over to a professional group who can manage things, taking appropriate decisions and deliver the goods to the satisfaction of all. This approach may demand higher financial inputs. But, it is ideal when our man power is not strong. If we have people who can help us, utilizing them is the best. However, instances of the last category are on the wane. 

TO   CONTINUE                         Prof. K. Raman