Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 244 – A light touch

J, our 6-year-old grandson came over today. After learning about hospitality in Sunday school, he was eager to practice by making tea for his Nana, Terri.

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’ ” Isaiah 41:13

J has not made tea before, but he has seen it done. He needed a gentle, guiding touch.

I asked him questions to help him decide which cookies to put out, which tea cups to use. I also needed a physical light touch as well. When it came to pouring the tea, the kettle and tea pot were both hot and heavy. I provided just enough support to protect him from the heat and steady the pot, but I let him do the pouring himself.

We ran our businesses with a light touch as well. Firm rules were in place for safety, ethics and protection of staff, but we trusted our professionals with the freedom to run their projects in their own way. At project ‘gates’ we’d check in – asking questions, offering guidance and lend a hand only when necessary. We provided the frame; they did the painting. They often found better ways to do things than I had imagined.

Watching J share tea with Nana this afternoon, I thought about how God often works in our lives and businesses with that same light touch—a quiet prod, an unseen help. Sometimes, I don’t even realize when He’s helping me hold the teapot. Rarely do we experience dramatic angelic visits like Mary or receive explicit instructions like Ezekiel. More often, the Good Shepherd guides us gently with His staff.

Prayer

Lord God, thanks for your light touch. I give you thanks and honour for both the unseen help and your known Presence.

Amen