Working Together

Working Together

Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Writing—though I love it—is often a solitary occupation. As an introvert, I don’t usually mind it. It’s not uncommon for me to slip into the corner of a coffee shop or hide out in the big floral chair in my bedroom when I’m in the middle of something, only emerging when my stomach rumbles or my neck muscles spasm. Although working with Kendra and Julie is a collaborative effort that lends itself well to brainstorming and encouragement, the three of us still find ourselves writing in isolation.

My husband, Tim, on the other hand, sees clients all day long at his job but rarely sees his coworkers. Few of them even live within the same state. Yet despite the distance, he has strong work relationships. Some of his coworkers were groomsmen and ushers in our wedding. Two of his closest friends, whom he has spent countless hours talking to on the phone about work and family, live several states away.

Every corporation or work community has its ups and downs, but Tim’s approach has inspired me to become more intentional in my work life. So I’ve found myself calling up my coauthors more frequently to talk about what I’m working on and where I feel stuck. The three of us have a running text thread filled with work updates and silly memes about how our kids drive us crazy. I’ve become part of a local group of writers who meet every other month. All of these practices help me feel less alone and more connected, and the friendships I’ve made through these avenues have encouraged me on the days when work feels tough.

Your work life may require you, like me, to spend hours alone on a computer. On the other hand, it may call for you to spend your entire day with other people, be they children or adults. Yet everything we say and do is as a representative of Christ. As ambassadors for him, we are called to show love, grace, and mercy in all of our relationships—including work relationships. As women who understand the value of befriending others, our work relationships can be life-affirming, too.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Find a way to connect with someone at work who has a similar interest or passion, be it work-related or more personal in nature.