Prestident’s Blog – October 27, 2009

COMMUNICATION

Anytime somebody compliments me about my communication skills, I take it with a grain of salt.  I have come to realize that I have to work at communicating.  It may come from years of being somewhat isolated on the mission field or the loneliness of the pastorate, but I seem to gravitate towards isolation.  I always struggle against the temptation to see interpersonal communication as an interruption or a necessity rather than a blessing.  What I haven’t figured out is why.  I actually enjoy being around people, I am not introverted or shy, but I really seem to feel at home with a book or a computer in front of me more than a person.

I’m sorry to be performing a personal psychoanalysis right in front of you, but I wanted to let you know who you are dealing with.  That is why I decided to try to set up a blog of sorts.  I want to communicate often and well with our entire BBI team.  I can promise that I will always be available for you when you need to talk to me, I will try to be as prompt as I can be in getting back to you when you have a need or a question.  Like the recording always says, “You are important to me, please hold until I can get to you.”  I know I need to make time to share my heart and burden with you and I am committed to listening to you when you need to share your heart and burden with me.

There may be a few times that I will write things that come across as too personal or, as my son has been heard to say, “TMI, Dad” (too much information).  You’ll have to excuse me because once I start opening up, you get the real me.  That is why most of my official correspondence gets reviewed by someone who has the right to say, “You can’t say that!”  If I get myself into trouble by what I write here, I may have to revert to a proofreader.  Please take what you read as being the opinions of a slightly deranged middle aged father of 5 sons who wants to do what is best and right and who wants to help people around him.  In other words, I have good intentions even if it may come out a little funny.

You may say at this point, “He has said all of this just to say that he would like to say something.”  That’s actually what I wanted to say.  I will be communicating with whoever wants to listen.  You can ignore me, listen to me, argue with me or debate the issues with me.  I have realized in marriage, in work and in life that the people who communicate often and well are the people who succeed in getting things done and in getting along with others.  I want to get things done well and I want to get along with those that I am working with.

Finally, I believe communication must always be a two way street.  Don’t hesitate to respond to anything.  I have thick skin to go along with a thick head.  I am willing to defend what I say, admit when I am wrong, and say openly when I don’t know something.  It won’t offend me if you don’t agree with me.  Maybe I need to think out loud even though sometimes it would be better to think before I speak.  Here’s talking to you.

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