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Hi Reader, Three weeks ago I started working in an office for the first time in over fifteen years. We own a staffing and recruiting agency that my husband Marc took full leadership of a little over a year ago after working under his dad. It has been a roller coaster of a journey for our family during this time, inside and outside of the business. I'll just skip to the part where I step in to help. (Warning: I may or not have a lot of "life lessons from the office in the coming weeks...😜) It has been fun working together. I've enjoyed feeling like a "professional," dressing in something other than sweats, and getting out of the house each day. It has also been humbling to be a beginner at something. I'm learning how to be a recruiter. I interview people for jobs and present the strongest candidates to our client companies. One of the things Marc has drilled into me when we're reviewing a job applicant is not to jump to conclusions and to examine my presuppositions. I might really like someone, which isn't a bad thing. But if I'm going to present that person as a candidate to one of our clients, I can't say, "This person will be a great employee because I've got a hunch." I need to provide just the facts: things like their job history and references. And then let the client draw their own conclusions as they make a hiring decision. Because I've been trying to retrain my mind at work, I've found it affecting the way I view others outside of work too. It's so easy to jump to conclusions in the day-to-day interactions we have with family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. This person is a jerk; that one needs to get their act together; so-and-so is really inconsiderate. I've found it useful to pause and look at just the facts. Usually we don't have the full story, and we tend to fill in the gaps with presuppositions and our own feelings. Perhaps this is some of the wisdom Jesus was hinting at when he preached about judging others (Matthew 7:1-2) 👀 I could go on, but I have to go to bed so I can go to work tomorrow! I hope you find this nugget helpful in your own life this week. Until next time,
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Overcoming overwhelm, finding rest in Jesus. Get guidance and encouragement in my weekly newsletter and printable resources. I’m a wife and mom of five, with kids ages toddler to teenager—created in the image of God, made whole in Jesus.
Hi Reader, I'm sitting in my office, alone on a Saturday morning while my daughter is at volleyball practice. Perhaps ironically, I've been coming to work to rest during practice times. My home is too noisy, too chaotic, and here I know that no one will interrupt me. It has given me the space I've needed to reflect and pray... I've been blogging in some form since 2012 (more seriously since 2017). I've written many articles and newsletters, created journals and eCourses, and shared a little...
Hi Reader, A few nights ago, sitting around the dinner table, someone made the light-hearted comment, "Nobody's perfect." My 7-year-old daughter, who doesn't speak a lick of sarcasm, dead-panned, "I am." The rest of us chuckled, because, well, that's funny right? But she continued to look dead serious. We confirmed, "Niki, you're really perfect?" She didn't hesitate but nodded assertively. We didn't correct her. Because who's to say she isn't? She's already battled a lot in her short life...
Hi Reader, It has been a minute or two since I've shown up here. (Unless you're new and just finished the welcome series, in which case...lucky you!) One excuse is that I've been busy. But I also just haven't felt like writing. There's a certain vulnerability required to present myself authentically, and I haven't had the heart or energy for it. It's been a year, you know? I've experienced a ton of change and strain, and I'm plain old wiped out by it all. There have been more than a few days...