Intimacy of Impact

Hi everyone,
 
I hope you are well!   We are coming close to harvest time in the Midwest.  This really has me thinking about philanthropy and the many things that must weave together to get to a place of harvest.  The relationships between the farmers, their plants, the weather, and the soil must flow together for a good harvest to result. This is similar to our work in civil society.  So many elements have to come together in a relationship for us to have an impact, create outcomes, and drive long term sustainable capacity.  
 
As I reflected, the following process emerged: just like the farmer and his harvest, when you’re led with true meaning and joined with those who share in that meaning, the outcome is an intimate and organic relationship. And through that intimate and organic relationship, the harvest will become abundant.  
 
In our field, we always talk about sowing seeds for the future.  What really hit me in my time of reflection is that it is not just sowing the seeds, but it’s creating intimacy between the elements that allow the seeds to grow into maturity.  This is the process of interconnecting what matters, which includes our mission, values, vision, volunteers, donors, staff, board and those we directly serve.  If we focus on building a sense of organic intimacy between these elements and synergize them to abundance, the harvest is one of strength emerging from those intimate relationships.  
 
So here’s my question for you:
 
“What are you doing to create that intimacy between those key elements this fall that will synergize a harvest of strength and intimacy for your cause?” 
 
Warmest regards,

Jamie