Relish the Rock 🪨

Today’s newsletter is a little different.

Instead of the perspective shared, we curated a story shared by a friend in the young professional space (he gets all the credit here) — one that’s encouraged us deeply.

It’s given perspective in seasons of doubt and confusion. It has also reminded us how work shapes character. We are hopeful it encourages you too.

So with that, enjoy this special edition: Relish the Rock.

Cheers!

In a land far, far away, there lived a child, a father, and a thief. The father loved his child, the child the same.

But one day, he puts a rock in front of the child and says, “Child, I’ve allowed this rock to be placed in front of you. Please push on it until I tell you to stop.”

The child trusts his father and decides to push on the rock. Minutes and hours pass. The child is grateful for the challenge yet the rock hasn’t moved.

Days and months pass. The child grows weary and the rock hasn’t moved.

Years pass. The child doubts his father’s intentions. The rock still hasn’t moved.

Then, enters the thief. A master of lies he is.

He nudges the child in their place of vulnerability, saying…

• You haven’t made any progress. Why don’t you quit now and try something different. There’s better for you elsewhere.

• Distract yourself from the pain with this — as he hands the child a phone — escape it!

• Why do you keep pushing on that rock? It hasn’t moved.

• Do you really trust your father’s intentions?

• Does he really love you?

These questions take root in the child. Trust wavers. Exhaustion, confusion, and doubt dig deep into the child’s soul.

Then, with a still, small whisper the father meets the child and says, “Child, stop pushing on the rock.”

The child lashes out in anger, “What was the point of all of this? I am broken! Aren’t you supposed to be good? Why would a loving father allow this?”

The father gently responds, “I allowed this rock to be placed in front of you not for you to move it but to grow your muscles instead. I have plans for you, child. Like an athlete running a race, how can you go where I want you to go without training and strengthening along the way?

Look at yourself. Look at the muscles you have grown pushing on this rock. Now, you are ready for the table I have prepared for you. I love you. I am proud of you. You are immensely valuable. I desire to partner with you. Now with those muscles you have grown… go!”

We each have “rocks” in our life and work that God uses to mold us into more of his image and for “works he has prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

Therefore, it is essential to (1) identify rocks in your life today (2) then ponder how God may be forming you through it.

Below are examples of “rocks” to get wheels churning —

• Busy season in work

• Unexpected change in life

• Challenging relationships in the workplace

Ponder these questions as you reflect on rock(s) in life and work today —

• What is a rock in your life today?

• Are you relishing or running from the rock?

• How are you being shaped through that rock?

God has purpose for seasons of adversity in life and work. I’m sure there any many we are unaware of. However, Scripture is clear that one of them is to form character that seasons of ease may not create.

The verse below is a lifeline of right perspective during challenging times. Cling to it!

Like a runner trains for the Olympics so we are being trained for the ordained tasks God has for us. For His glory and for our good.

So, relish the rock rather than running from it, remembering He who endured perfectly and the strength He gives us.

As always, let us know how we can help you navigate your world as you navigate the world.

In Your Corner.

See you next Tuesday!