Fast forward to verse 12, the blessing and abundance was so obvious that it attracted jealousy and strife in Gerar and he was sent out of the country to the valley. In the valley he started prospering and found fresh water there- he was attacked by the shepherds there and they claimed the well that his servant built. He moved to another location. It was not until he moved to the third location that there was no dispute over the well that his servants dug and he was able to settle there and experience prosperity. He called that place Rehoboth meaning – “Open Space”

As I reflect on this story, I see the well digging experience as the dreams, visions – maybe a business, ministry or initiative that you know you have been called to pursue. You might have tried the first, 2^nd or third time and have been disappointed due to opposition, fear, lack of knowledge, lack of wisdom or your own mistakes. The Holy Spirt is saying – try again! Don’t give up. God’s original intention for your life is still His plan. Gather your momentum and try again. You will find your place. His promises never die. As you keep pressing on and holding to that promise – you will find your ‘Open Space” designed for you to prosperity – spirit, soul and body to the praise of His glory.

Being a first time mom in my late 30s has been a unique experience. I think I can confidently say I have gone through a life altering experience. When people ask me what motherhood is like, my response has been, its a lot of work, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Not only do I feel this way, but as I have spoken to other mothers, they totally resonate with my sentiments around it.

As hard as it is, I derive so much joy from being a mother. But why? … One day it hit me. 

My husband typically does the drop off for daycare in the mornings, while I do the pick-up. One morning, I decided I would drop our princess off. I had been up for a few hours overnight and I could have just handed off to my husband but I was actually so excited to take her to daycare. Even when I am tired, I want to take care of her, it’s such a surreal experience. 

I remember when I was still pregnant and experiencing the typical new mother anxieties, I remember thinking- ‘what am going to do with this child’. I truly didn’t know if I will play the role well. But in Gods divine design, I saw myself just fit perfectly in the role. Its an amazing experience.

That morning ..I thought, that is exactly what walking in divine purpose feels like. No matter how tired you are- you would still do it because It gives you great joy and its not really about you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, lead me into my divine purpose. Don’t let me linger outside of your plan and purpose for my life. In Jesus name. Amen.

A few days after the discussion I was reflecting on that discussion, and I thought about my team members that God has entrusted me with during this season of my life. Have I really been giving them balanced and meaningful feedback? If yes, how have I been doing it and has it been effective? If not, what has prevented me from doing so?

After my reflections here’s what I came up with. I have not been doing such a great job at it and I need to seek for ways to improve. I must confess that sometimes I hesitate to give praises because I want them to focus on improving and knowing where they stand. So I end up not doing much of it and just not using the word “great” that much. I have been very stingy with the word – GREAT.  In some way I might have lost opportunities to reinforce great behavior. So I have decided to make some changes and for the next one week to look for ways I can use the word great as I give feedback to my team members.

Going back to my boss, he confessed that he is not so great at giving “critical” or “constructive” feedback. Total opposite of my approach, and to make it more interesting, this was a group discussion and three of us (ladies) were giving similar feedback to him. A few days later, I was reading a book that I think shed some light on this – females tend of have a ”fix it” mentality and men appreciate being affirmed. So we basically relate to the world the way we see it. 

I have decided to take a critical look at how I view my team and improve on the way I provide feedback so I give my team the benefit of growth and understanding what they can start doing, stop doing and continue doing.