In all my work experiences, across companies, and years of experience, there are a few that stand out. A characteristic that each shares is a consistency between their words and the actions that followed. In a recent case, I was assured that we were in the challenge together. It is hard to recount how many times I have heard this promise. From young and old, people that I worked for and those I worked with. The commitment has easily rolled off the tongue of many. What is in short supply is real actions that follow.
In this case, I did not see it coming. One of my team had an “oops”. Two people forgot about an exception. One did not explain that it could happen. The other forgot to let anyone know that it was happening. As a result others did not take the actions that they should have. For one, it was not a mistake of carelessness. Rather it was one of ignorance. For the other, who knows? Even after looking into the whites of the eyes as I asked the question, I have no idea. From every indicator, it was an honest, candid, and heart wrenching mistake.
What I cannot dispute is the response of someone committed to walk with me. At each step there was guidance, help, and as appropriate hands on work. As I reflected on the unfolding experience, I realized I was living out the truth of an old writer’s words of encouragement and call to action. “Be glad, Zion Mountain; Dance, Judah’s daughters! He does what he said he’d do!” (Psalm 48.11)
From my experience, being able to depend on another with confidence is a rare gift. In the main, it does not happen! On the rare occasions that it does, it is time to take note. I found myself marking the day and the hour. I committed to etch the experience in my mind, hopefully so deep that I will never forget.
Even as I say thanks, I realize there are others. Each left me with a priceless gift.
