Recently while on a Father and Son camping on trip with seven families, a five-year old boy woke up and stepped out of the tent at 12:15 am for quick relief but did not return. His father began searching. Then after 10 minutes, he alerted other fathers and over the next 45 minutes the search quickly encompassed over 50 ‘previous strangers’ that were canvasing the large camp ground area to find James. Fortunately James was found after 45 minutes in the back of a nearby tent tucked in the corner. The tent was initially searched, but he was not seen nor did the occupants wake up when he entered the wrong tent and quickly fell asleep under a sleeping bag.

This event reaffirmed the goodness of humanity, the willingness of others to join in a ‘real’ cause, even in the middle of the night, and importantly the preciousness of life. I found myself praying for James and his Father. I listened to others think the worst of humanity. I found myself and others having judgments about potential suspects and whom may be the most helpful in the search. The prejudices, judgments were both false, mislead the process, and undermined the ability to find James.

Our business lives rarely have the tender and urgent connection to a mission like “finding James.” We do however spend long hours, months, and years working in our careers--often searching. I believe God was a part of that search for James; I believe that God is a part of our jobs; I believe that God is part of that searching in our careers, and I passionately believe that only sometimes do I/we actively engage God throughout those challenging times. 

Please join Bob Weinhold and other ANE members for a call on Tuesday morning at 7:30.   We will talk about the impact of “the search for James,” the importance of inviting God to be a part of your search, and how you can create the urgency for your career that invites all to support you.

Tuesday, August 25, 7:30 a.m. EDT
Call in number: (712) 775-7031
Enter ID #: 251-410-597