day 806: A Special Way...

"O, Lord, the God of my master. Abraham, if you are planning to make my mission a success, please guide me in a special way."

We all seek to have an upper hand, a competitive advantage, a secret sauce, or a special way that our competition doesn't have or has to yet to realize. This quest causes us to move fast, act deftly, and to make investments in areas that are yet uncertain. Why do we do this? Well, we know that if we get someplace first and can stake our ground and that even being there a day earlier makes it harder for others to catch up. So, we spend lots of time and money on R&D just looking for that one advantage, regardless of how small the advantage could be. This search for the competitive advantage is part of what drives us and our businesses and it certainly does keep us on the cutting edge and pushing the envelope, which does make us more innovative and ultimately better. If if feels like the company is lagging or getting sluggish, then it might be time to step back and examine whether we are still seeking that edge and special way. If we aren't then we should stop and reset to find a way to do so.

Eliezer went off to do the work of the Lord, but still asked to be guided in a "special way". As we think about our own work and how hard we strive to have an edge in what we do, whatever that job is, we would be better if we also asked God to guide us a "special way". Imagine what and how we could work if we really turned it over to the Lord to allow us to walk and follow in that "Special way". If there is something that we need to get done today that we have been holding onto and have struggled to find success with, then that may be what God is calling us to give up to Him and let Him take over the finish line. If we are to work to His glory, we have to allow Him to come to work with us and be there with us throughout all that we do. Consider starting today with the prayer of Eliezer, "O, Lord, the God of my master. Abraham, if you are planning to make my mission a success, please guide me in a special way."

Reference: Genesis 24:42 (New Living Testament)

day 448: Be Nice To The Boss

My friend and ex-colleague, Steve Arneson, just wrote and published a book called, "Bootstrap Leadership". It is filled with many leadership lessons and a good read for anyone who leads other people. He also speaks and does leadership seminars. He spoke to a group of people that we all worked together back in the day and asked a great question. He asked the group how many of us had ever, over the dinner table, talked about our bosses? Every hand went up. He then asked us to reflect on the tone, tenor and content of those discussions. There was snickering in the room. He made a joke about how he was sure that we had all always had great things to say about our bosses and never would we speak poorly of them, especially in front of our family or friends. From that there was a good laugh. He then asked how many of us were bosses to other people. Everyone was. He asked if we could speculate on what the topic of the dinner conversation tonight was going to be at the homes of our subordinates. No one laughed. It was a poignant and sobering moment. We are hard on our bosses and our people can be hard on us. We can make the relationship with our bosses better and make them better as people by praying for them. We can pray for them to continue to lead well and accomplish their own purpose. We can pray for them to improve so that we can have a better working experience. There is nothing wrong with praying for our bosses. The servant Eliezer prays for Abraham in Genesis Chapter 24:12; "O Lord, God of my master", he prayed, "Give me success and show kindness to my Master". He goes on to pray that by God giving him success, as the servant, he would know that God has shown kindness on Abraham. How many of us actually care for our boss enough to pray for her/him? Today, let's add the boss onto the prayer list and lets ask for his/her success and for God to show kindness on them. What better way to be nice to the boss than to offer a prayer for their success?

Reference: Genesis 24:12 (New Living Testament)

day 410: The Journey Is Worth It

Some of the happiest people I know are the people who have a job where the work is done each day and at the end of the day there isn't much to stress about. But, most jobs are not so tidy and there is usually something to be done in the longer term so that the work becomes a bit of a journey from here to there. This is where we learn endurance and perseverance. It is also where we learn to plan, pace, sequence and bring the work in on time. Some people become masters at this. Others struggle, but make it happen. And there are those who never quite get it right and go through their work career careening to get things delivered. There is a skill in being able to manage and work on something for an extended amount of time and do so with the same energy level and commitment at the end as when the work was started. Those who can do this earn the respect and the confidence of the people making work assignments and tend to get more and more put on their plate. Consequently, they grow in both stature and rewards. So, we need to know, learn and remember that inside the journey is the real work and completing the journey is what you are expected to do. The story of Eliezer in Genesis 24 is one from which we can learn. He was sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac. His task involved a journey, commitment and faith to find completion. He prayed along the way a prayer that we should all pray as we go about our work; "Help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey". You may be at the beginning, the middle or near the end of your own work journey. Wherever you are, do not lose faith or energy. Instead call upon God for Him to help you accomplish the purpose. Like He did Eliezer, He will bring you to the right well and be there for you to complete the task and finish the journey.

Reference: Genesis 24:12 (New Living Testament)