day 300: Hand In Hand

"We'll walk hand in hand through this", said the boss to his subordinate as they talked about the hairy project they had in front of them. The subordinate thought about that statement as he walked back to his cubicle, knowing that his definition of hand in hand was far different than his bosses. As the one who was going to be doing the work, putting in the long hours, formulating the presentation, and putting his neck on the line if they missed the deadline or didn't succeed in completing the project, what he wanted from hand in hand was someone who would be there for him each and every move and someone to help with the real work. His suspicion that there were differing definitions was correct, for his boss was thinking that hand in hand meant that as a good manager he would get out of the way and let his employee work independently and he could be there as support, guidance and air cover in case anything came up. And at the end of the project, the employee would get the credit, but everyone would see that he had managed the project well. As far as those long hours, days and weeks, he could check in on the employee regularly and offer to provide any help needed, knowing that with this employee, there would never be a request. Hand in hand meant two very different things to these two people. Work is like that many times. We desire a level of support, partnership, and comradery that is an unrealistic expectation. Yet, we long for that tight-knit, side-by-side, deeper working together. The truth is that it rarely happens and when it does, it is a gift. So, we have to look beyond people for that level of support. David says in Psalm 37:24; "Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand." The only hand in hand relationship we can expect without any fear of disappointment or letting go is the one that comes with a personal relationship with God. Today, you may feel like you are in hand to hand battle at work, when all you want is hand in hand working. Move your expectations away from the people around you and claim a hand in hand relationship with God and watch what happens. He wants to be hand in hand with you everyday, all day, and with you as much at work as anywhere.

Reference: Psalm 37:24 (New Living Testament)