Image by Evil Erin via Flickr

 

I woke up this morning to Sunny skies and the smell of homemade 12 bean with bacon soup – that has been slow cooking all night long.

I love my life. I know this is the opposite of what is being said right now – at least the ‘cool’ people – but I have never been ‘cool’ so I guess this proves it.  Life to me right now is good.  I have an AMAZING man in my life – I love my kids and have INCREDIBLE friends too!  And though there are a few things I’m still waiting for explanation and validation on – for the most part – I am content, fulfilled and very happy.

I sat and listened to our Pastor, Stephen Collins of LifePoint Church – talk about being an influence in the work place – and NOT hating our jobs – and even if we do and are struggling – to ‘go the extra mile’ to be an example of Christ – to be a testimony of our changed and exciting lives – and to be a witness for what that changed life looks like.

I love my job.  Granted, I am self-employed and work from home – set my own hours – have 3 day weekends every week and work with the most lovable and talented students in the world – but even before I did – I always tried to laugh and be cheerful – and make the work place a pleasant place.  It is a mark of character and integrity to do this – and to produce more than what is required of us – because people are watching.

We’ve all been to the retail store and have had poor customer service.  We’ve all been waited on – sometimes reluctantly by someone who ‘hates their life’ – and we all have a picture in our minds of what that looks like.  It’s not pretty.  Especially at a restaurant.  Or when you’re trying to get help at a retail store.

Last week Greg and I went to Sears to buy an Elliptical machine for our home exercise room (his office) and were waited on by the nicest guy – I would estimate him to be in his mid twenties.  He did everything right.  He was helpful – didn’t take us to the most expensive – but rather showed us an inexpensive well made machine and urged us to go online (which we did right there on our iPhones) and check the reviews and customer comments.  They were most impressive – and so was he.  He left us alone – no hype – no pressure – very low-key.  Exactly what we expect when we go to purchase something.

When you love your job – it shows – and this young man did.  He was confidant and helpful – and people were waiting in line to be waited on by him.

I love my students – I am a private music teacher.  The ages of my students range between 5 and 70.  They know I love them.  I love to hear their jokes and stories – I always begin with, ‘How was your week – and what’s new with you today?’  If I don’t say that – they remind me I haven’t!  They love to tell me and I love to hear it.  It is one of the best parts of my day – seeing their faces – watching them learn – and knowing I have made a difference.

Make a difference today in your work place.  Put your mark there – and make people take notice of your cheerful and helpful attitude.  You will be noticed, my friend – I promise you that.

If this song by the Pointer Sister’s doesn’t lift your spirits and put a smile on your face this Monday morning – you are dead, my friend.  Plain and simple.

Enjoy!

God Bless!