I have been reminded of a very important task today. That task is COMMUNICATION. Whether it is in our marriage, home, extended family, workplace, or church family, we need to communicate. Sometimes the smallest detail, that is not effectively communicated, can be a mountain to scale.
In my own life, I can see where I have not effectively communicated with my wife. The results are usually not good. Though I spoke with her, I did not EFFECTIVELY communicate. That is the key… “EFFECTIVELY”! Instructing your children is not always an easy task. You can draw a map, give written instructions, and give an audio soundbite and they still do not do what you ask them! Again, we must effectively communicate!
Through a personal issue today, I have been reminded that I need to be sure that I effectively communicate with people. Even when it seems you have an understanding with someone, I think it is better to make triple sure about everything!
There are safety measures in Nuclear Power Plants, called redundancies. For example, you will have three ways to shut a valve off. A primary, secondary and secondary backup are very common. (My terminology may not be right) The idea is to be sure that you can shut the valve off completely. So it is with sharing expectations, feelings, policies, desires, etc. We must be sure that we communicate our ideas with the other person so that there is no misunderstanding. Think of how many divorces, church splits, and divided partnerships in business there have been. Many of them due to a simple misunderstanding.
Mis-communicating even the smallest issue can be like a small fuse attached to a powder keg. Though the fuse is small, the results can be explosive! Bottom line, I just want to remind us that we must give our all each day to effectively communicate with those to whom we come into contact. Whether we are sharing God’s love with a sinner, or with a saint, be sure to do it effectively! If it is procedure and policy, then share it effectively with your colleagues. WHATEVER YOU DO, REMEMBER THIS, COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY! It can save you some grief, and humble pie!
