April 17, 2009

The other day, I had to go to a meeting, which happens from time to time. And of course, meetings aren't usually excuses to tell you how good you are doing. Sometimes they are to let you know about a job before it gets started. Other meetings are to coordinate information between various disciplines on a particular project. But more often than not, meetings are to figure out who did something wrong, who didn't do what they were supposed to do, who is responsible for something that someone hasn't done, and who dropped the ball in a major way. Not always the most fun situation to be in.

This particular meeting looked like it was going to be of that last variety. Figuring out who should be doing what, with a bit of blame shifting and finger pointing thrown in for good measure. I tried to make sure I had my thick skin on before I left the office, just to be safe.

Once I arrived, I took a seat next to one of the other engineers for this project, and we were joined by the architect, the owner's representative, and assorted contractors and subcontractors. I knew the electrical contractor and I were on the same page on most things, but I didn't know about everyone else.

So at the start of the meeting, the general contractor - the head of the large construction company - stood up and said, "Let's open this meeting with a prayer." And he did. He prayed for the facility, for the people it would serve, for the workers who were building it. And then the meeting started.

And I think that opening prayer set the tone for the entire meeting. There wasn't any questionable language heard during the discussions. Most everyone had a positive attitude toward getting things done. Even those who were saying, "That's not my responsibility," were willing to do what needed to be done to see that the job is finished on time.

Some people might say that the cooperative spirit exhibited there during the meeting would have been there anyway. But I think the prayer had more than a little to do with it. And just for good measure, when lunch was brought in we had a prayer for the meal as well.

I suppose it is because of so much time spent in church or praying before meals in our home, but often at meetings or dinners, I find myself thinking, "Seems like we should have a prayer." After all, most all church services start and end with a prayer. Church related meals begin with a prayer. But then when I'm at a non-church meeting or function, even when I've been thinking to myself that we should have a prayer, it is surprising when we really do have one. And it helps to keep the right things in focus.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - I Thessalonians 5:16-18

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