Do you use this as a criterion for deciding whether to speak out or to act? “Is it Mission Critical?” I woke up early this morning to talk to one of my young lab professionals. Emotions were high as we discussed a disagreement about how to properly perform a challenging laboratory procedure. Were we making good choices that balanced quality and value to the physician? Were the results we produced able to give the physician useful diagnostic support?
Yes, it was a mission critical issue. How we chose to proceed would indeed affect how we provided care to the patient. It was worth a little disagreement and discussion to ensure that we all worked together to do our best for each patient we serve. I expressed my thanks to her for pushing for excellence.
“Aargh! I hate how he leaves his dirty coffee cup by the sink until the end of the shift!” Is that mission critical? No. Probably not. Is it a housekeeping item that has to do with how we exist in the same work space with kindness? Sure. But mission critical? No.
Maybe we need to apply this to all parts of our lives. My beautiful and everloving wife inserts an “R” into the laundry process. She does not wash the clothes, but she does “warsh” them! That is not my favorite word! She’s been saying that for all of our awesome 30+ years of married life and then some. Is it mission critical? Heck no!
The young teen just down the pew from grandma Thelma is wearing a skirt that is showing a lot more above the knee than grandma expected. Is it mission critical? Not if the mission is to model acceptance and love.
No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love! 1 John 4:12 The Message
A woman sees a friend, another young mother sitting in her car after church. Struggling as a new single parent, she is showing new signs if drug use. Is this mission critical? YES! She wraps her arms around her and wipes her tears, willing to risk a little pushback, not letting go without finding a way to help.
The young man playing a guitar and vocal solo for church- the music genre is not my favorite. He is pouring his talent into the song. The words are pointed Godward. Is my music taste issue mission critical? NO!! After church, I thank him for gifting his talent to God and allowing us to listen in.
May I apply a Mission Critical filter to my words and actions today. May I let go the things that are not, and hold tightly to the things that are.