Employee issue

Dear Lord. Is there anything you want to weed out of my life? Any pruning?

Other than the obvious time sink you’ve gotten yourself hooked on again?

Funny…

No, it’s not funny. It’s quite serious.

Would limiting my time with it be acceptable?

It would be better. But you need to be consistent. Your focus on these games draws you away from me and your intentions.

I understand. Does 10 hours per week sound like a good start?

It’s a fine start.

Ok, then. That’s what I’ll do.

Lord, do you have any guidance for me on my trouble employee?

Of course I do.

Funny.

No, it’s not funny.

I’m sorry Lord.

It’s ok, but laughter doesn’t make things go away. Laughter is so often used as a barometer of ‘happiness’, when happiness is not even the objective. Laughter is actually a great way to hide substance and pain, which causes greater pain later.

Doesn’t laughter help in healing?

Peace helps in healing. Some people use laughter to mask the pain so that they can arrive at something remotely similar to peace. They use laughter to dull their focus on negative experiences. Negative experiences and pain have their place in life for a reason.

Now don’t get me wrong. Negative experiences and pain are not to be sought, and I do not bring them about in your life to ‘teach you a lesson’, but when they do come about, they should be considered appropriately, while at peace, and released, not bottled up under laughter.

I understand. Can we get back to my employee?

Yes. Now consider this. What you are about to do will affect this person and those close to her.

Well how’s that for a guilt trip.

Michael, hold on. I didn’t even say how it would affect them. Michael, your responsibility is to do what is right. In this case, what is right is to let go of your emotions and make the appropriate decision for the sake of the good of the organization you serve.

So, what emotions are there that I may not be recognizing?

Fear is definitely there.

Fear of what?

Fear of what she’ll say back to you. Fear that she’ll go out fighting. Fear that she’ll impact how others think about you.

True. What other emotions?

Anxiety.

Isn’t anxiety the same as fear?

No, Michael. Anxiety is different from fear in that it’s not necessarily good or bad – it’s just the presence of heightened anticipation.

So, in this case is my anxiety good or bad?

You have some of both.

Ok. Any other emotions?

Michael, let’s stay focused on the task at hand. When you do this, it’s imperative that you stay calm. As long as you are calm, I will be with you. If you let your emotions get the best of you, in anger, fear, etc, you will not receive my wisdom.

I understand. Thank you Lord.