Diamonds (part 3)
Cutting diamonds is a delicate procedure. Unless of course you’re Superman… He squeezed carbon in his hand and in seconds had a diamond.
Since diamond is the hardest known substance, a combination of diamond dust and olive oil must be used to cut and shape the stone. Because of it’s brittleness they can be split by a single blow. An experienced diamond cutter then, needs to be able to identify the natural plane of the diamond before he begins cutting in order to achieve a jewel that will disperse the light through it’s angles reflecting it’s beauty.
We need to look at our people as diamonds and think about the amount of time, energy and resources that have gone into making them. God gives us diamonds. He calls us as leaders to learn the delicate art of diamond cutting. Though we didn’t make these diamonds, we have been entrusted to shape them in ways that will allow their light to shine effectively.
That intimidates me. Before I can begin shaping my team I need to take the time to determine each persons natural plane or character. People don’t usually come with instructions and God was very careful to create us all in His image. We have to remember that we are parts of the whole. It isn’t our job to be the potter, molding others into ourselves. It’s our job to help people define who God has created them to be.
As a leader, I sometimes get caught up in the race running at great speed. I find myself going through life checking off task lists, wanting to be so very excellent in all I do. The speed picks up so fast that I forget to check the machine and add more dust (coaching) and oil (encouragement) as I impact those around me. The danger is that diamonds can scratch diamonds. So, in knowing this, I need to constantly check my pace and get to know the diamonds in my life – my husband, my children, my friends, my teammates. When I take the time up front to notice them, notice the details that define them, I am so much more confident in the shaping process.
Leave a Reply