Hear Me, Please

For a few months I've been working in a supervisory position in the marketplace. I make this distinction because much of my work as been in church work or non-profit community work. Last night one of my strong faithful smart leaders told me she was resigning. Her reasons were over issues above my authority.



My heart sunk because I respect and depend on this woman regularly. Suddenly I realized how much work would land on my shoulders with no good person in mind to take her place. I resigned myself to the situation and I just sat and talked with this woman. We talked about what life would be like for her without this job.



I truly had accepted losing her and compassionately I listened to her situation. She still needed her paycheck and we explored what she could hope for in this job market.



AS I listened to her intently I realized I had assumed one thing was her last straw, but as I heard her I saw I had been mistaken in her main gripe. Once I "got it," I offered to change some things I do have authority to change. "Can you do that?" she asked. "I am doing it; and I might have to explain it. But you are so valuable to this operation I can argue your worth with persuasive enthusiasm. I'll take the heat if you'll stay on," I assured her.



The smile on her face was beautiful. The sigh coming from me let her know her value to me. We laughed and planned our next few days on our upcoming projects. Truly the Lord gave me the capacity to forget my burden to invest myself in this employee that I thought was losing. That compassion opened dialogue that uncovered her main gripe.



Some days I suspect God is using me more in this secular position for His Kingdom work than I ever had opportunity to do within the church. May I never forget the power of heart felt listening. I want to HEAR when people speak.