My email and Linkedin app alerts both chirped. As I glanced at the details, I realized it was the same message. The name was familiar. As I wondered, I realized it had been years since we last spoke. At one point we worked in the same space. The more I thought about it, the more obvious it became that I had no idea what to say. The reality started with the fact that I had not heard anything from or about him since I left the firm.
As I thought about others that I lost contact with only to reach out to them in an effort to reconnect and see if they could help, I realized I needed to do more than just ignore the message. My first response was candor. It is a tough market. The shrinkage that began more than a decade ago is accelerating. I do not know anyone that is hiring in this space. Of what remains, I could think of one first that could point him in the right direction.
In response to my candid but hope hinting message, I found myself reading a new message.
“Thanks for your response. I agree with you points. I am looking to change directions.”
Even as I read the words, the images of those who reached out to help me starting replaying in my mind. There images never seemed to stop. While some were in response to my request, many stepped in as old brothers and wise friends. I will be forever grateful for their response. As I considered their action and an old observation, “God’s trees are well-watered – the Lebanon cedars he planted,” (Psalm 104.16) I realized I was holding an invitation to act.
You and I always have this invitation in hand. Be engaged. Be part of the greater story. Let your lessons be the foundation for others to learn and grow.
I paused and let the silence of the moment sink in. “I hope for the best in your quest. My two cents on what comes next is to…”
