Just Keep Rowing

Two years ago, I wrote about a conflict I was having.

Looking back at these words:

"It has been a very difficult spring, between job uncertainty and professional conflict that became very, very personal."

I realize that professional conflict never really ended. It's still very personal. Even when I don't share a professional relationship with that person anymore. It's amazing the power one person can have...especially the power of words. Even when you try not to let that person have power over you, their words still carry a lot of weight. Especially when they are constantly negative and tearing you down. I've tried and tried to be positive; I've prayed and given this back to God again and again. I'm not looking for personal validation or finding my value in what this person thinks of me...and yet, would it hurt to throw a kind word my way now and then?

So the words of the devotional I referenced 2 years ago come back to play again:

From "Devotions for Women on the Go" by Stephen Arteburn and Pam Farrel

When [Peter] looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Matthew 14:30

When the Boat is Rocking

I once heard John Maxwell, founder of Injoy Ministries, say that those who are busy rowing the boat seldom have the time or energy to rock it.

If God places you at the helm of an event or organization, keep the people rowing and their eyes set on the goal, and the sailing will be smoother.

What happens to people when their eyes are off the goal? Peter and the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water in the middle of the night, and they were afraid, thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus encouraged and calmed them, telling them not to be afraid. And then Peter decided he would walk out on the water to meet Jesus. As long as he kept his eyes focused on Jesus, he was walking on the water, but when he looked out at the wind, he immediately began to sink and cried for help (Matthew 14:25-30).

Things will start sinking if your eyes or your crew's eyes are on the circumstances rather than on Christ. If you feel your idea, dream, company, or future sinking, turn your eyes and the eyes of your team back to Christ.

Pray together, study the Word, or bring in a godly specialist or teammate who can point the team back to God and his purpose. This is especially true if the crew starts turning on each other or on you!

Before you have a mutiny, lead your team to look to the horizon!
 
And so I keep rowing. And looking to the horizon.