A liturgy for cultivating compassion at work.
As I walk past them in the halls;
As I wave to them as they drive by;
As we meet up for coffee or a meal;
As I wait in line together to pick up our kids from school or to order lunch in the cafeteria;
As I see them at their desks;
As they visit me at mine;
Whether they have the highest influence or the least;
Whether their feelings toward me are full of warmth or stone cold;
Whether they find joy in being at work or feel the crushing weight of cultural pressures we cannot comprehend;
Whether the dance of working together cross-culturally feel smooth or complex - perhaps even painful;
May I see them the way that You, the One Who Sees, experiences them.
May I notice their tired eyes behind the polite smile and, for just a moment, feel the weight of their burdens.
May I seek to learn about their families, their hopes and dreams, and their deepest questions.
May I not forget the names of their children or their plans for their next vacation - so that I may ask and show deep care.
May I respond with patience instead of pride when misunderstandings creep in and tensions rise.
May I glimpse the child inside them, the one they have pushed down to meet societal standards.
May I feel the fullness of love and care that You do, even in difficult conversations where we must give and receive a “no”.
May I honor them not just as co-workers but as faithful friends.
Finally, may I remember that we do not work for bread alone, but for Love, and as if we are doing all things unto You. May every interaction with my co-workers be a deep reflection of that truth.
Amen
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