"If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right". I preach this to my children all the time and attempt to practice it in daily life. Practice is the key word!!! This week a lesson was found in the Wal Mart check out lane!
Like everyone else, I like to save money, but it takes some time and effort! But...this week, I was on top of it and equipped with my list of prices by competitor stores, headed to Wal Mart to take advantage of the 'price matching'. Having practiced this a while now, one thing I learned (after an awful experience with an exasperated cashier and a long line of irritated and impatient shoppers behind me) is to be prepared. Know the price and what store has it, because the cashier may have to look it up to verify it!
After soccer practice, and ready to get home, I made the stop at the store to take advantage of a few items which went off sale the next day. While greeting the cashier in a friendly manner ( a must since they will have to give you a bit more attention than the average shopper!), the transactions began. Right away, she questioned me about the coffee I was purchasing. I told her which store the lower price was at and she reached down to pull out the sales paper to verify. Taking a deep breath, knowing this would take longer than expected, I tried to keep the smile on my face. Then she says to me "I think it is even cheaper at another store." She went to the extra effort to help me find an even cheaper price on my product! WOW! What a lesson to learn in the checkout aisle. Going the extra mile to help someone out. She only saved me 5 cents, but I gained a lot more than that through her giving attitude.
We all have jobs to do, some pleasant, some not so pleasant. What makes the job is our attitude. We can do our best or give a so/so effort. We can value those we assist by just dong what is necessary in meeting the need or taking a bit more time to make them feel special. A little more time and effort makes the ordinary - extraordinary!
Christians in today's world understand that according to God's Word, we're not to work with no purpose, but in everything we do, we are to give our best, do our best and work 'as unto the Lord." That's a tall order! But when we begin to look for opportunities throughout the day to go above and beyond, and remember it is not for self gain, but to be pleasing to the Lord, our focus will change and others will be blessed and encouraged.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
Your blog post title captured my eye, as it is something that my dad taught me. He just passed away last month, but this is one of the values that I will carry on with me, and one that I have passed on to my sons.
ReplyDeleteMay we also be diligent in doing the Lord's work - for our efforts, empowered by Him, will never be in vain.
GOD BLESS!