Time, Tequila, and Therapy

Leadership

There could have been headline after headline written about his life. The tabloids would have had a field day! He was belittled, beaten, robbed, and left for dead by his own brothers. He suffered human trafficking and was sold as a slave. Falsely accused of rape and jailed for doing the right thing. Then backstabbed by his own cell mate and forgotten in prison.

Yet, despite all of these hardships Joseph faced, his heart never grew bitter toward God or man and, as a result, he became one of the most influential and powerful men in the world. Even when given the opportunity to write a few headlines of his own and get even with his brothers, he played a few practical jokes instead. Rather than saying "Hey, remember me?", busting a few knee caps and sending them away in the trunk of his Buick, he gave them provision, money, and safety. What a story!

"But Joseph replied, 'Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don't be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.' So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them." (Genesis 50:19-21)

In the wise words of Old Dominion, it may take a little time, tequila, and therapy, but stay at it until there are no hard feelings.

As I sit here in the quiet, dark early morning hours, contemplating the day ahead and a few battles lined up to fight, I'm reminded of the story of Joseph. What about you? The choices between bitterness and gratitude, frustration and improvement, revenge and reconciliation, exhaustion and perseverance, and the past versus the future will make all the difference.

When tempted to come out guns a blazing and wipe out anyone who stands in your way, the smart play just may be to stay calm, be kind, and maintain your integrity. That allows you to clearly think, pick your spots, and produce a great long-term solution and not just a short-term headline.

"The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest." (Proverbs 21:18)

Headlines may catch people's attention but it's the longer story that matters.

Give God a chance to write a good one.