This Christmas, Show Me the Way
One of my favorite Christmas movies is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But it wasn’t until recent years when it took on a deeper appreciation and meaning in my life.
As a husband, father and businessman striving to provide for my family and serve others every day, I am always struck by George Bailey’s (main character) prayer of desperation on Christmas Eve. George is on the brink of despair and needs a miracle.
With nowhere to turn, George prays, “Dear Father in Heaven. I’m not a praying man but if you’re up there and you can hear me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way, God.”
Show me the way.
How fitting and often do I need to repeat these words! As I reflect on the past year, there have been many small, and not so small, miracles in my life and my work – especially when things seemed to be reaching the end of the rope.
I recall one executive search project. We were recruiting a key leadership position for one of our client companies in the agriculture industry. Our greatest challenge was attracting talent to a difficult and rural location. After a couple months of patience and perseverance, we finally surfaced our top candidate. Everything was tracking smoothly as we moved to the offer stage.
Then, things took an unexpected turn. I received a phone call from our top candidate on my drive home from work. He had a change of heart and decided to pass on the opportunity. After I hung up the phone, I drove home in silence processing what just happened. You could say I was nearing the end of my rope on this project!
When I arrived home, I shared the news with my wife. I remember saying, “This search is falling apart. Our top candidate just backed out. I need a miracle.”
My wife earnestly looked at me and replied, “Well, then, pray for a miracle.”
I took her advice, got some sleep and called the CEO the next day. During our phone conversation, the CEO asked me, “Would it help if I called the candidate?” With nothing to lose, I responded, “Yes. I think it would go a long way.” We hung up the phone.
Within 30 minutes, I received a phone call from the CEO. He stated, “We got him onboard.”
Show me the way.
How many of us, at different times in our careers, find ourselves in need of a (small or large) miracle?
Perhaps you are weary from leading an organization during a tumultuous time … Show me the way.
Maybe you started a new job and the transition has you feeling vulnerable … Show me the way.
Perhaps you have reached the point of desperation in your job search… Show me the way.
As I have learned (and continue to learn), when we are at the end of our rope, it is precisely in these times to trust. Trust when things are at their toughest. Trust when things are beyond our understanding. Trust when things are out of our control.
This Christmas, as we celebrate the greatest miracle and birth of our Savior, may we experience the peace, joy and hope of knowing that God is with us.
Show us the way!
