As I look back on my life and career, so many mistakes have been made and a major one was always forging ahead without looking from side to side being thankful for those around me who were also forging ahead, but with a difference. They were concerned with the well being of others. I was so wrapped up in “Getting There” that I neglected “HOW to GET THERE.”
Psalm 133:1…How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
No matter how much talent you think you have, no matter how blessed you are with energy, no matter how blessed you are with outer appearance, no matter what your education, you cannot get along without one another.
Matthew 7:12…In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. I wish I could take back some of the things I have done, but this is not possible. I can, however, not do those things again.
Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday ; however, it seems to be the only day in the life of this nation when we all come together to thank our maker for what we have. In the business world today, so many go unnoticed because of position or education and are not thanked for their contributions. Is it only the CEO who guides the company? It would seem to me that those cleaning the offices, making for a great working environment, are equally important. What about that secretary who takes abuse from irate customers on a daily basis and on the other hand must always smile.
What about that server in the restaurant you frequent every day? What about that dishwasher making sure the dinnerware is sanitized? What about the greeter who always knows what you like and where you like to sit? What about someone seemingly insignificant who smiles at you and says a simple good morning? Have you stepped over a homeless person on the street to get to your $500 lunch? Are we truly aware of our blessings?
In whatever you do, you may be encountering an angel.
Your job, your fellow employees, your boss, your owner – all have a profound effect on your daily life. When you feel the world closing in on you and no one is seemgingly there to help you and you feel like throwing in the towel because someone has an agenda which does not include you, Psalm 40:13-15 tells us…Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord , make haste to help me. Let all those be put to shame and confusion who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire my hurt. Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha.”
This is our cry, perhaps, on a weekly basis or daily basis at work, because we feel unnoticed, unworthy, and perhaps un needed. We are treated like a number when we feel we are giving our best. We see favoritism in the workplace, we see fellow employees getting away with things that we would be written up for in most cases, we see greed and ignorance – we see it all. Our minds fast forward perhaps, in a split second, to hatred and hostility and controlling our temper is just not in us. In turn, we try to get away with things by lying, cheating, stealing, and poor work performance.
Reality is lost. There is no reason. What is my plan for this life?
As we continue in Psalm 40:16, we find answers….But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord.” As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes care of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.
Yes, thankfulness is a daily practice in my life now, no matter the circumstances. May you have a thankful heart in your service to others, knowing that your reward is inside, not on the outside.
Now, that is a discussion for another day.
Blessings.