Two months of Tuesdays ago marked my first working anniversary, a day of full pressure wrapping up a project, yet the night before presented a culmination of 24 hours of much learning --
It was the Monday before the 10th when we unexpectedly finished up early for the night - I think we were back in our hotel rooms by 8 or 9 pm then. I remember pacing about, thinking to myself, "How anticlimactic." We had several execs coming in to present to the client board the next morning, yet in these precious hours right before that meeting, we were treating our work as signed and sealed, ready to be delivered.
Things I learned/was reminded of earlier that Monday that influenced why we were in the state we were:
1)
Politics are rampant, and nothing is clear-cut. Even people who seem like they should be looking
out for you might not, so be careful and discerning at all times. People can spin things however they
want. Thus, be excellent and knowledgeable so that situations tricky as such don't prevent you from
making clear-headed decisions
2) Everyone has their stories... whether it be how they survived flash floods, or what it's like having family members who struggle with ongoing illnesses, there are stories of brokenness and heartwarming humanity all around
3) Related to #2 - it is a beautiful thing when someone can trust you with sensitive information. Break not that trust
4) Be careful when making assumptions. People will poke holes, as they should. Always be prepared with a solid answer
5) Stick up for yourself and what you know to be right and good
6) Get to the heart of the matter
7) Don't let things fester
Back to the moment --
Some time as I was pacing, a thought came to me, "God is having me learn skills now to prepare for the future, to help His people." The somewhat unusual appearance of this particularly non-linear thought into my head, along with the peace that accompanied it, gave me a strange hope. It reminded me of why I entered the business in the first place, and what I seek to gain out of it. The next step is to trust God with timing... when? When shall I be called upon to leave and further Your Kingdom in other ways?
Nowadays, with fall rounding up and winter fast approaching, I encounter older friends and colleagues preparing their ways back to graduate school. Whether these paths be of pure hedging, last-straw disgruntlement, a truly fresh realization that more vibrant roads lie ahead, or some combination of the three... I'm not sure at what point that'll come for me. And I know not how it looks.
Restless soul, when will you be still?
Lord, let me seek You and You alone.
