Last week at this time I was watching Councillors in a neighbouring authority reject their Local Plan. Years in the making, approved by a Government Inspector yet turned down by the Members. Thrown out in the hope that something more palatable will come along. Highly unlikely given every plan ever produced for that Council in the last 20 years has been rejected.
That’s democracy but for those who put it together it was pretty soul destroying (a similar story for officers of another neighbouring authority whose Plan was withdrawn in the middle of examination).
Sometimes people make decisions that we think are wrong but, having given them all the relevant information, we have to leave it there. It’s their choice not ours. And it’s hard and feels personal; a rejection of something we have invested ourselves heavily in. But professionally, and in life, there are some things where we do our best but can’t control the outcome. We need open hands. Acceptance. To let go. Which reminds of a favourite song that was very real in an experience of letting go..
Persecuted Christians often run into metaphorical brick walls. They do their best to obey the authorities yet get arrested; to be good employees yet get sacked; to love their neighbours but get beaten. It can be incredibly discouraging and seem hopeless but they persevere.
A number of us tried to encourage our planning colleagues. Let’s do our best to support those who suffer for their faith too.
Adrian@60 