There is one thing I think we can all agree on, and that is that things change. Pete Seeger wrote about it in 1950 and the Byrds sang about it in 1965. Long before them, the wise King Solomon reminded us that seasons change, and everything happens for a reason.
"To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, NKJV)
This simple truth governs everything we do, Servant Leader. Our job is to manage that change daily so our teams, our companies, our families have everything they need to be successful. To resource them appropriately means we give them time, training, and tools necessary to perform their task.
One set of training and tools is conflict resolution. We won't always agree with our coworkers, our supervisors, even our friends and family, but we must work together regardless. When we disagree, moving forward effectively can be difficult. In those circumstances, it helps to remember King Solomon's wise words - everything changes for a reason.
Sometimes we say that when one door closes, another door opens. Christians are apt to say when God closes a door, He opens a window. But what about when it isn't God closing a door. What if it's a difficult boss or coworker? What if the door is exactly where you planned to go, wanted to go, the optimal pathway for your vision? What if your best laid plan is thwarted, not by God closing a door, but by someone whose sole purpose is to make life difficult for you? Well, there's scripture for that too.
In Genesis 50, we finally learn Joseph's true feeling about being sold into slavery by his brothers.
Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Gen 50:19-21, NKJV)
Wow! There is so much to unpack in these 3 verses. I'll keep it brief.
First, Joseph reminds them of his place. Although he is the second most powerful man in Egypt and fully empowered by Pharoah to judge the people, he does not sit in judgement over his brothers. He reminds them that is God's purview.
Second, he reminds them that God is, was, and will always be in control. What they meant for evil - selling their brother into slavery - God meant for good. Now, it took almost 40 years for God's plan to come to fruition, but He delivered indeed. And not only did God deliver for Joseph, but He delivered for Israel. The "evil" act of selling Joseph into slavery saved the nation of Israel forty years later.
Finally, not only did Joseph not hold a grudge, but he treated his brothers kindly, gave them the best land and food for their families, and loved them - like he loved himself. Joseph epitomized the second greatest commandment to love his neighbor.
So, remember, Servant Leader, even when someone else thwarts your best efforts, God has a plan for you. Hopefully it doesn't take 40 years to see it through, but if it does, remember that Joseph was sold, imprisoned, accused, and lost everything he had at least twice before becoming the second most powerful man in the greatest kingdom on Earth at the time.
When one door closes, God will open a window.
He might need to teach you how to build a ladder to reach it, though. And that takes time.
