When we hold back judgment or show kindness, regardless of someone’s appearance, race, gender, or other difference, we open ourselves up to all sorts of opportunities.
One of my lessons came true when I worked in the corporate world. I had my first customer as an IT professional; helping a customer/coworker create a new website. I was a bit frustrated because at that time you needed HTML and she didn’t know a lot about what she was doing. I thought to myself, “If I have too many customers who need hymn help, it’s going to be a long day.”
I remember feeling anxious, annoyed, and a bit impatient, but I knew I needed to treat her with respect and kindness. After all, I was in a new job and needed to give it time to feel more confident about my role. Plus, being nice is the right thing to do.
About nine months later I was ready to lose my job as an IT professional and had to find other employment within the company. Guess who my new boss was going to be. Yes, my very first IT customer!
More importantly, this woman, my new boss, helped change my life. She was a great leader, and I was very fortunate to be flying under her wing.
Imagine what would have happened had I no self-control…no self awareness; showing truly how I was feeling in the moment.
It was in that moment that I realized how important it was not to burn any bridges. You never know what purpose someone has in your life…even in the moment.
Regardless of someone’s purpose for you, it’s always nice to be nice.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. – Hebrews 13:2 KIng James
Loving with Purpose 