Study Time: Four Scriptures to Encourage the Young Professional Part 2

I hope last week was good for you. For me the last week and a half has been a very busy week, as we celebrated four birthdays in our family – the last being my fiancé’s. He didn’t want a fuss made, but seeing as birthdays only come once a year, I thought to myself “why not go out and celebrate?”. So off we went, last Monday night to one of our favourite Thai restaurants in Stratford City, East London to eat, make merry and to generally be thankful for another year (I hope you like the pics!)

Birthdays aside, I wanted to continue with a discussion I started a few months back, and which many of you got in touch with me over, to tell me you found helpful. 

The work environment is a peculiar one, because you are thrown in with people who you have little in common with, except the job! But, as work is where we spend most of our time, it also happens to be a significant aspect of your life. But sometimes dynamics can be a little awkward, for example when you are forced to work with someone you might not necessarily get on with; or when you have to look your manager in the eye whilst you hand in your resignation. 

So I have compiled a short list of scriptures to encourage you as you survive in your career. Admittedly, this blog post will not be for everyone. I know I might have already lost a few readers just by mentioning the word "scriptures". However, if you have read up until now, I do urge you to stay. A lot of wisdom can be gained from from the Bible as you will see...

1.  When a colleague does something to upset you

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all (Romans 12:17 ESV )

Sometimes it is easy to lash out , or to choose hostility for a colleague that is grinding your gears. But trust me, it only leads to a work environment, which is dense and difficult for everyone to work in. I am not saying that bad behaviour should not be addressed or confronted, but what I am saying is that it should be done with some decorum. The workplace can be a tricky one, and very easily the one who confronts every situation is often branded uncollaborative and difficult to work with. As a side note, most employers will look for employees who are  able to work amicably with all kinds of characters.

2. When your colleague persists in antagonising you

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, (Titus 3:10 ESV )

As a continuation from my last paragraph, what do you do when a colleague continues to deliberately step on your toes after you have spoken to them? It gets to a point where you’ll just have to just forgive and love them from afar, keep it strictly professional and keep it moving.

 3. When you have handed in your resignation

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust (Peter 2:18 , ESV).

I must admit that the socio-economic context of the Bible does mean that the language can appear extreme. But fast forward to 2016, all this verse is simply saying is to respect whoever your boss is. Even if he or she is a monster! If you have to address an issue with your boss, do it with manners and in keeping with your company’s policy. Maybe his or her character has led you to hand in your resignation, but even so, that does not mean you should be a jackass whilst you work your notice. Continue to work with a good attitude until your last day, and even after you leave avoid airing out your grievances on social media, or to your new employers. Trust me. It is not a good look!

 4. Considering a career change?.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.(Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) .

I think, most people at some point in their lives will think “why am I still doing this job?”. And to me this is quite normal. As growing, and ever changing entities, it is inevitable that our interests will change at some point. However, speaking as a human, I would say it's a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly; and as a Christian, I would say don't move an inch without praying over it first. When you do this, God will definitely send you clear signs on the next move to make.

Thank you for reading. Are there any words of wisdom you have to encourage the young professional?

If you enjoyed this post, you will like part one of this series: Study Time: Five Scriptures to Encourage the Young Professional

Retreat and Restoration: Ashburnham Place

Can you believe we are already halfway through April? The year is not so young anymore. If you have been sitting on all of your lovely plans for this year, thinking, “I’ll start tomorrow…or next week…maybe next month…actually, later”, then it is maybe time to repent, and kick start your projects into motion! However If you have been busy “doing you”, well done. If you are ready for a well deserved break, you might want to consider what I have to say next.

Just over a week ago, I and a group of ladies (comprising of my mum, and a few friends) took a weekend vacation to Ashburnham Place, a sanctuary of escape tucked away in the Sussex Countryside, isolated from all of everyday life’s noise.The trip came at a good time because the majority of the group (excluding my mother who had just got back from a trip to the states!) was feeling a bit worse for wear and in need of a quick, and inexpensive getaway which did not require the need for passports, visas and boarding passes! We simply hit the motorway and were there in a couple of hours.

My initial reaction was that the facility and rooms were pretty basic (albeit clean) not with all the perks that one might be accustomed to. The rooms are twin rooms so I shared with my mother. But for less than £100 for two nights (with breakfast and dinner provided) what else was I expecting? 

On second thoughts, the point  of the weekend away was not to sit in the room all day, but to explore the bookshop, make use of the library, prayer rooms or the music room, all at hand to help you switch off. This explains why wi-fi was non-existent in the communal parts of the grounds, and why there were no TVs anywhere (doing away with worldly distractions, eh?)

The beautiful landscape makes for enjoyable and peaceful walks by the lake. Or you can be even more chilled and have a spot of afternoon tea at the Orangery Tea Room. 

On the weekend we went, there were two pretty large (well known) church groups holding a weekend retreat. They had booked out a few of the larger meeting halls to hold their church services/ prayer sessions in. Ashburnham is very ideal for large groups wanting to escape the hustle and bustle to focus on prayer and restoration for a few days. But in my honest opinion, you might end up hearing the sound of your own thoughts a little too loudly, after a day, if you go alone.  

We booked our stay when there weren’t many activities happening, but I do know that at various times of the year, they hold  themed weeks, such as an Arts & Poetry week, for creative minds, or a Musician's week for musical minds. They also invite speakers to hold talks on various faith based topics from time to time.

The staff are all very polite and are more than happy to go the extra mile to make guests feel comfortable. The ladies and I had a lovely time in each other’s company and spent the two days in quiet reflection, prayer, rest and D&Ms! (deep and meaningful conversations). I came back feeling fully rested, and with a more positive outlook on my future!

For more info, please visit Ashburnham Place’s website (http://www.ashburnham.org.uk/)

This is not a sponsored post or collaboration. All opinions are my own.