Lesson learnt: Be Gracious & Meek

I have a nervous week. Thank and praise the LORD! My Shepherd leaded me through.

Yes, nervous because I needed to account to my customer why I am delaying his project due to the late arrival of the crystal oscillators which I ordered since last September (see post on Feb 19 – Waiting …Hoping … :( or :) ? ).

Also, I was nervous because my team had a presentation on a new design to make to the bosses. It is a sort of an accountability presentation. Will there be fire and storm??

After a long distance call and talking to the supplier of the crystal oscillators, I took a few days to pray for wisdom how I should answer to my UK customer of the frequent delay of the project which we promised to deliver. I also prayed that my customer be gracious to me and not penalize my company for the overdue. After much prayer, I decided to be honest and state the situations, giving them the assurance that I will do my utmost best to expedite the work. God is good, the customer is quite gracious and there is no penalty or cancelation of the project. Now I need to honor my words and praying that my supplier of the crystal oscillators will deliver their goods next week as promised.

Still waiting … and hoping.

Then in the mid-week, the presentation wasn’t that smooth as I would hope to. This is a team work project (and is still on going). One of my junior engineers did make an honest mistake and the computer simulation of a part of the design did show some potential problem. Perhaps, he did not realize it. I didn’t spot it either during the preparation of the presentation. But during the presentation, it appeared quite obvious to everyone! (Why is it that when something is not right it seem so obvious :(??)

At that point, one of the Vice-president started to attack the engineer. And it got quite merciless. It was like what Jesus said, when I read today’s devotion on Our Daily Bread Matthew 20:20-28

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,(Mat 20:25,26)

Reflecting back on the week, the LORD seems to speak me to be gracious to people. In life, there will always be mistake, delay and hold-up. How should I response to such situations?

Be gracious when others are at fault.

Be meek when I am at fault.