Life's Tweaking Moments

When I submit a document to my boss for review, it never fails.  She will edit it, rework it, and make a few changes here and there before it is distributed to the powers that be.  I’ve come to learn this about her.  She’s a tweaker (not a meth head as the Urban Dictionary would suggest).

I consider myself a fairly good writer but know each person has their own style, their own voice. In my previous job, my boss and I were on the same page (no pun intended!).  Any document I gave to her for review rarely came back with edits while my colleagues dreaded receiving the wounded document filled with blood red scratchings and scribblings.  It was frustrating for them because they felt they could never please her.

Now that the tables have turned and I stare at the reworked remains of my voice, I’ve learned to appreciate it.  I’ve realized she tweaks because she has our department’s best interest in mind.  From my vantage point, I am not always privy to the audience perceptions, the history, or politics associated with the subject matter, but she is.  She has the big picture in mind and through her lens; she tweaks, refines, hones, plucks, and caresses a work of synergistic art that is better than my own. 

It is my goal to continue to learn the writing style of my boss so I can write in her voice and effectively represent her (while hopefully eliminating some tweaking).  Such is the same with our relationship with God.  It can be frustrating and painful when we feel God’s trimming, chopping, and burning away at our hearts.  At times it feels like we can never measure up and we’re right.  We can’t.  Not on our own because His style is so foreign to us.  That’s why He tweaks because He sees the big picture.  He sees the good plans He has for us, which we may only have a glimmer of a dream nestled deep in our souls.  Yet He blows His refining fire on that ember of His image with the goal that His plans will be realized and His glory will be noticeable in these mortal vessels of clay. 

So as my goal is to reflect my boss’ voice in the documents I create, it is our goal as image bearers of Christ to reflect Him in the hope that others will see Him and answer His call for their life.

(Note: I realize I am dreadfully behind on posting my job hunt chronicles and my adventures this past year.  I hope to have more posts soon.)