I have to be honest and say that I really do love my new job. I wasn't sure at first, because I knew the pay was low and I would be expected to hit quotas and be on top of my game even through the training. The good and bad news was that the training was literally only one week. I think we should have had more time; it would make much more sense to do that. We were given one week, and then "thrown in the mud to run in it" until such time we could learn to swim in the clear blue, I guess.
My job is not unusual, it's not really all that special. I am a recovery agent, and a subrogation specialist. I determine who is liable for damage and go after the damager for recovery of what it will take to indemnify our clients. Sounds tough, and all that, but in reality, I'm literally just opening up a file, going through it, checking what I can, and making calls and sending emails to get to the person who pays the claims. Simple.
The thing is, work is never simple. As employees we are expected to be "on" all the time. We are expected to pay close attention, and to not make mistakes or assumptions. It's not hard but it's certainly not perfect either. I need help and I know exactly where to get it. I pray. I don't hold back from telling my employer(s) either (if they ask). I pray about my day every day. I pray before I get started, and I thank God throughout the day when things work out and I can see His hand in the middle of whatever it is that's going on.
I'll hear co-workers say how difficult their day was, or how they couldn't seem to get anyone on the phone to cooperate. I have an answer; in fact, I have THE answer. Pray about it. Pray that Jesus first blesses you with the wisdom to make those discerning decisions, and that He'll help you remain open, balanced, and fair about what it is that you're deciding. If someone is not responsible, I don't want to think or claim they are. If someone is responsible, I want to be compassionate, empathetic, and understanding. I do have to recover the funds, but I don't have to brow beat anyone.
Most of the "damagers" I speak with claim they are not responsible, and they have lots of fingers to point in several directions. I listen, I even follow a lead now and again, but I'm not naive either; I can tell when someone is trying to get out of their duties to restore our clients' rightful claim. I stand firm, and I repeat my stand and my intention of recovering the money. I'm not a push over. But I'm not a tyrant either.
Prayer helps me be better so I can help someone else. Prayer reminds me that I am absolutely not in charge. I am not the end-all and what I say doesn't always go. I have a claim, it needs to be paid, and I find the damager. If the damager turns out to be someone other than the person I was told it was, and other than the person we've been pursuing, I am 100% open to discuss the matter. I also pray for wisdom, discernment, and and insight. He gives that to me.
So, at work, I like to think of my little at home office as being an open door to Christ, so He can come in and sit next to me, and hold my hand while I write those emails. He listens to me when I make the calls to request that someone pay the claim. He watches me so I keep the right time, the right notes, the right details, and so I am giving my employer every minute of the hours of the day that I'm being paid for. Being an at-home employee, the temptation to take longer or extra breaks is there for most, but not for me. I time my breaks. I want to be as clear and honest as I can be so I know my prayers are answered.
I know God doesn't "keep score" because if He did I would fall short every last time. I am so normal. I am so human. I am so typical. I hope to be a good example. I hope to be what He would be proud of. That's another reason I pray - - because I get a chance to both ask for forgiveness and to ask for blessings at the same time. To say "Jesus is my co-pilot" is so untrue - - He is the pilot, the Creator of the air, the Creator of the craft. He has graciously allowed me to sit with Him while He takes the wheel.
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