I rarely talk about work, but this was too a poignant lesson not to share.
Once a week we have a meeting with our whole team. This is the time where we are briefed about what the whole team needs to know and we do a peer share, of anything that we feel the rest of our team should be aware or anything of interest that is work related.
I’m a creature of habit. My topics usually come from some interesting article that I’ve read in the New York Times, generally dealing with finances that are applicable to our business or the members of our team. This particular morning as I normally prepare to find my article, I got the discouraging thought ‘all your shares are from the Times’ why don’t you do something different?’ As such, I ended up with nothing to share as I hadn’t even bothered looking for my would be article.
As the meeting progressed, the partner said ‘I won’t share everything because I’m sure some of you will have the same share’, then shortly after, started going around the table. I’m usually first to go, and responded that I had nothing for the team. He was surprised and animated that I had not brought up an article that he had read for what would have my usual share. You see, he even dubbed me the queen of New York Times, and not in a bad way. He had come expecting me, because of my usual routine, to be the one to share on this interesting article – which he proceeded to discuss.
I sat there and half smiled at myself. Here I was, thinking that my contribution was going unnoticed, meanwhile I had created a reputation of someone who finds and shares articles of interest related to our profession.
Is there something you keep doing and think your efforts aren’t being noticed? Keep doing it anyway. Twice yesterday I came across this verse, ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.’ Ecclesiastes 9:10. The Bible also reminds us ‘So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.’ Galatians 6:9 NLT
Friends, while it may feel discouraging at times and not feel like our actions are being noticed, don’t give up! You have a very important role to play, no matter how unimportant you may feel it is. God has a way of multiplying things when we place them in His hands.
Lord, please forgive us for believing that what you have asked us to do is inadequate. Please strengthen us and empower us to do whatever it is that you have called us to. Please encourage us along our journey so that we may know that we are on the right path and doing the work you have called us for.