Meeting God in the midst of a meeting

Our team at work uses a framework called Agile.  In this framework we conduct a planning session every three weeks to plan for the coming work.  Due to some organizational difficulties and personality differences our planning sessions often deteriorate into a reality show episode.  On one occasion two team members refused to call each other by name or even look at one another.  On another occasion, I was so frustrated I called my team lead and second lead babies, and told them to "grow up."  It was a low point.

So, in preparation for our next planning session I spent the morning before in prayer.  At some point during that prayer I made the request for patience.  I prayed to have patience during the planning meeting and all of the hysterics that might occur.  I felt good after the prayer and went into the meeting.  About 20 - 30 minutes into the meeting I was quickly reminded that things were not going to be smooth.  When the meeting started, so did the drama and hurt feelings of past meetings.  After 20 - 30 minutes there were arguments for the sake of arguments, back tracking, blaming and a round of name calling.  There were temper tantrums and more grown ups acting like babies.  In the midst of this disastrous meeting I was reminded of some very crucial truths about praying for patience.  The first truth I was reminded of is this, if you pray for patience... there will be an event that tests and forms your patience. You can't learn patience or peace in the midst of calm and prosperity.  True patience is forged in the midst of trials, difficulties, delays, frustrations and even drama.

Later, as I spoke with one of my employees about his impressions of the meeting I realized a lot more had taken place other than a bad planning session.  As we talked I learned that God had done more than what I had asked for.  Even though I felt like the meeting failed and I had failed, and even that God had failed to answer my prayer, I suddenly began to realize that I was wrong.  The meeting was a failure, don't get me wrong.  We spent six hours planning a couple of items that should have taken less than half that time.  The part that wasn't a failure was God's answer to my prayer and the truth about God.  As we discussed the meeting together, I told Jeff that God had answered my prayer in a way I didn't initially expect or even later recognize.  My God had answered my prayer for patience, not by giving me a perfect meeting, but by meeting me in the midst of the meeting and giving me peace.  The second truth about patience is this, true patience is a gift and a byproduct of waiting for God in the midst of difficulty. 

One final thought about that meeting.  After it was over I was blessed to have a quiet time of reflection with God.  As I reflected with God I realized that there was another very good life lesson buried in all of the meeting drama, and meeting issues.  The final lesson was this... my joy cannot be lost or changed by people's treatment of me.  My joy must stay firmly fixed and grounded in the truth of God's word, the hope of his promises and the enormity of His love for me.  As I said once before, I am already enough, and God loves me with an eternity to eternity and steadfast love.

This meeting and the rest of that week were reminders of the need to stay in God, let no one turn me off or away from his love, and to trust that God is faithful to meet us where we need him most.

So, to those of us who struggle to find patience, meaning and peace - God will always meet you in the midst of your meeting.

With love (& in triumph),
Cassius