It's that Monday Day Blues thing all over again!

That would be right, ladies and gentlemen, it is a brand new Monday, here on April 26, 2010, and a brand new work week. Monday's often find our get up and go slightly on the slow side. For me, it's typically because of the busyness of my Saturday and Sunday. I would throw age in there also but that would be a little like cheating since in today's world so many much older than I who wear the badge of white hair are prolonging their working careers. I happen to love the older folks who love their jobs. There are a couple of people who are greeters down at the super duper super center that I've been seeing for at least the last 15 or more years and they inspire me with their warm smiles and genuine hellos. One of them also fetches up the shopping carts and when he is out there on the lot he gets with it. I've actually mentioned to him how that his attitude and commitment is a testimony and encouragement to me. He says what one would expect, "I'm just doing my job the best I know how." Not a bad way to get it done, don't you agree? The other older fellow is a retired Army Sergeant Major and he is not only a war hero to me, he is one of the most decent people I've met, who loves folks so much it shows. I always try to stop and talk to these guys for a couple of minutes because they do what many would think to be a dead end nothing kind of job, but they do it with enthusiasm and grace.

I was in a group recently talking about leadership and we were discussing how you can spot a good leader. Of course one of the obvious ways is to look at those who follow and the influence their leader has on them. A good leader is not good because they carry the title, they have to be able to inspire and elicit the response of those they lead in producing results. I had much to learn about this subject when I started out because everyone has their own style. I settled in on leading by example and I believe it to be best for me because it showed others what I was all about. That's what we all do every single day. We show others what we are all about. That's what those fellows who greet folks and herd carts do, they show others what they are all about. Having a consistent testimony that comes from a genuine commitment makes a difference. It makes a difference in whatever the activity or endeavor being worked on, and it makes a huge impact on others as they observe and are influenced by that testimony.

The writer of the letter in the New Testament, James, said that talk was one thing but action is the true way to evaluate a person's heart. We can talk all day about how hard we work and how tough our work is and how fortunate our company is to have us there. But the real proof of us being a good worker is in the results we produce and in the influence we wield. James said talking about being spiritual is one thing but proving it by loving others, regardless of their station or status, is the best way to show it. Sometimes the kid's songs can be quite convicting. "If you're saved and you know it, then your life will surely show it." Whoa! or Woe! That's one of those that always reaches out and grabs me even on a Monday where things are kind of oozing along. This tells me that I have work to do, every day, and that work is not the other fellow's problem, it begins with me, myself, and I. May God help us all to see that we are where we are doing what we do and He can work through us, if we carry the right spirit and attitude in all we do! Amen. .......More later.