When work is a welcome distraction

I was getting mad at a colleague in x country for not responding to my email and phone calls, especially since we are fast approaching a deadline.

I called him again this afternoon, with my heckles raised and ready to be all annoyed and short wtih him. I was going to the the b*&^h on steroids on this call. But I never had the chance to unleash my anger as he quietly explained that the reason he has not been responsive is because he is providing care and comfort for his spouse who is now terminally ill with cancer.

I felt like I had been punched in the gut for thinking the worst of him. I felt so lousy and I think he could hear my voice softening. I expressed my sorrow to him and asked if he would consider nominating someone else to take on the project whilst he's busy attending to his wife. His second response floored me. He wants to do it - no, he insisted on being the person to do this - because it would be a good distraction for him.

I think that says a lot about the stress level he is facing at the moment. I wished him well and asked that he takes care of himself before we said our goodbyes. As for me, it was a good reminder not to assume the worst of others.

Isn't it amazing that God provides us with a big life lesson when we least expect it?