Closer than a sister (or brother)
Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 220
Greetings from Canada after a rich time in Central Asia.
“Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.” Proverbs 18:24
I have the joy of knowing those who work with me almost seamlessly. Some of them receive this devotional:
- They anticipate what is needed,
- They get their side of the job done, and
- They tell me when I am full of it in a way that makes me want to do better, not tearing me down.
Those kind of people should not be taken for granted. They are rare finds. These relationships have some form of natural flow but they also need careful cultivation. Here are some of the garden tools that help this kind of partnership flourish:
- Give thanks to God for them,
- Lift them up in specific prayer,
- Check in with them when there is not a pressing deadline or project,
- Assume they have the right motive (i.e. show grace),
- Stay honest,
- As soon as you know you cannot make a deadline or keep a commitment, inform and renegotiate, and
- Give them the fertilizer of your time.
Such a friend or colleague is more precious than gold. Gold just stays in the closet. Such a friendship is symbiotic which can die with neglect but flourishes with action.
Prayer
God, thanks for the friends and colleagues that stick close.
Amen
Recent Comments