“My wise men and enchanters have tried to read the words on the wall and tell me their meaning, but they cannot do it.”

In the last year or so there has been something new that we do to each other online; we move others to the blind copy line so that those who are going to be corresponding back and forth don’t fill our email in-boxes with their emails.  This most happens when we are making introductions or thanking someone for the introduction made.  Dropping or moving someone to the bcc line is supposed to be considered an act of kindness and courtesy, but there must be something else about it because I always feel a little twinge of bad when I move someone, not knowing if they really desire to be moved or not.  I can say the same when I get moved.  I am glad that I am spared the emails, but I always feel like I might be missing out on something and that I am being excluded.  All of this is irrational of course, but it reminds me that what may look obvious and accepted can be misinterpreted or create other emotions than what is expected.  We are served well to be sure that we have a very good understanding of what the outcome will be of each of your actions both the obvious and the not so obvious.

I get concerned when we cavalierly treat each other or disregard their feelings because these actions can be taken much more seriously than we expect and create a sense of hurt that is hard to repair.  There are two parts to this challenge; one, is we don’t want be the ones creating the situation and two, when on the receiving end, we want to be sure and be forgiving to the offense.  Which is harder?  Hard to say, but they both create impressions and lead others to not see a reflection of Christ that they would want to follow. And, we have to pay attention to the small things we do as well.  If moving someone to the bcc line could cause a misunderstanding then anything can. And or course, the workplace is full of these minefields.  So, let’s be careful out there and think twice before we act.

Reference: Daniel 5:15 (New Living Translation)