Push and Pull
By Dr. Brian Simmons
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Transitions in life and especially careers can be stressful. They say hindsight is 20/20! Looking back over my career I can clearly see now that times of professional transition involve both a push and a pull. And, depending on the circumstances, these two forces vary in intensity.
The push looks like a growing sense that one’s time is coming to an end in a particular organization. Different people are wired differently. Some are jumpy and more quickly move from one opportunity to another. Others stay put sometimes beyond the time that would have been best for them to leave.
An unmistakable push is a closed door. In my younger years I would sometimes bloody my nose against a closed door. These days I thank God for the clarity He provides via closed doors!
The pull looks like opportunity at a new organization. At times of person transition I have sometimes had several organizations courting me competing for my talent and experience. At other times, opportunities have been more limited. A strong pull results in a smoother transition! But a strong pull can also blur reality of the new opportunity. Prayer for discernment and a commitment to the will of God are the essential ingredients of a God-honoring transition. And, if the future is hidden around a turn or two, the faithful steward must walk by faith!
The bottom line is that as faithful steward leaders we are to put service to God and others over self-interest, and like Jesus we are to always seek the will of the Father, God, above all else. Looking back, I can say with confidence that God ALWAYS meets the needs of His faithful stewards (Matthew 6:33)! Praise Him!!
