Nov 12th, 2020: Praying for Wisdom

I went for a walk after a business meeting yesterday. It was a difficult day because a client has to make some difficult decisions in the next few days so that they can make it through the second wave of Covid-19. It is a lot harder to make these decisions because it has nothing to do with the performance of the people who are about to be laid off.

I want to understand what it means to be compassionate during such a time. 

To be prayerful about what we have to tell these employees. Prayers will give us insight into what we might be missing in caring for people. I have done this many times before and it does not mean I will get it right without praying. I pray over every single name in my walk with the understanding that I am dealing with people's life and future.

Not to be defensive toward emotional responses that people might throw back at me. I hope that I won't take things personally when people are angry and frustrated. Listening is important in this process. Some might not have much to say and their body language will say it all. Some might not be able to express their thoughts and feelings. To be available regardless of what people can do and cannot do.

To be kind and understanding in dealing with the process of trying to help people to look for new work. I will need to recommend training to some people whose jobs might be lost for a long time. To be kind and patient while sharing with them about the needs for further training. Some might embrace that gladly. Some might not because they think they are too old to learn. Wisdom is needed to untangle some of the fear people have.

As Covid-19 has begun to have more serious consequences in many segments of business, we need to pray more earnestly for God's divine intervention. I believe in that.

James 1: 5-8

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do."