Commendable Work

A tree trimming truck, with a trailer and wood chipper attached, arrived in our subdivision early Saturday morning.  Due to the passage of time and recent wind, several trees in the neighborhood had dead limbs or branches that were barely hanging on and needed to be safely removed.  The men cutting the branches worked as a team and seemed to perform excellent service.  It was fascinating to watch as neighbor after neighbor would approach the men to see if they would be able to trim their trees as well.  The machinery used in the process was not quiet.  All day long, you could hear the saws and chipper in action.  It seemed that several houses on every street asked for their services, as the men worked until dark.  When we arrived home from church on Sunday, we noticed that the men were back to complete additional work.

 

Some observations:

* When your work ethic is commendable, people notice.

* It takes training and practice to do a job well.

* Cooperation allows each person to perform their task in a timely manner.

* Good work draws attention to the service performed.

* Being prepared with business cards allowed the men to contract additional work.

* Sometimes it’s a little noisy when progress is being made.

* For healthy growth and safety, there are times when trees and plants need to be cut, trimmed, and pruned.

* It’s important to clean up when the work is complete.

* Trustworthy, ethical, and hardworking employees bring honor, a good name, and business to an employer.

* A good reputation must be earned.

* The men didn’t make sure everyone knew their names; it was the company name that was to receive credit.

* Even when you may not be aware, people are watching.

 

It seems these traits would be beneficial to apply to our lives, as well.

 

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

 

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1 Corinthians 3:9

 

And is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 

Colossians 3:23-24

Developing Helpful Habits

  

DON’T MAKE RESOLUTIONS.

DEVELOP HABITS.

 

 

Attitude is a choice.

Happiness is a choice.

Optimism is a choice.

Kindness is a choice.

Giving is a choice.

Respect is a choice.

Whatever choice you make

 makes you.

Choose wisely.

~ Roy T. Bennett

 

 

 

Matthew Resendez, a teenager, works evenings at a restaurant in his hometown.  This week, a homeless man came in to see if there was any food he could purchase with the $0.50 he had in his pocket.  Seeing how hungry the man looked, Matthew asked him what he would order if he could have anything on the menu.  Matthew then rang up the big meal, reached in his pocket, pulled out his own debit card, and paid for the man’s dinner.  A lady witnessed the act of kindness and wrote a letter to let Matthew’s employer know the kind of employee he had working at his restaurant.    She also rewarded the kind and thoughtful young man with a $100 tip.

 

Stacy and Josh Lemonds, of Oklahoma City, were both out of work.  While experiencing extremely cold temperatures this winter, their heater in their home went out.  Knowing they did not have the money to pay for repairs, they relied on their faith and began praying.  They also asked their church marriage group to pray with them.  That’s when Joshua Matthews stepped in to help.  He had first met Josh and Stacy when his wife was ill and they delivered meals to them. 

 

Joshua served two tours in Afghanistan with the 45^th Infantry Division.  Once back home, he continued to serve his friends, church and community.  Joshua is an electrician’s apprentice and offered to come look at the Lemonds’ heater.  What he found was a much bigger problem than first thought.  Since their home was built in 1945, the wiring was dangerous and out of date.  When this was discovered, the electric company cut off their electricity until the wiring was brought up to standard code.

 

Meanwhile, some members from their church paid for a hotel room and Josh spent several days completely rewiring the Lemonds’ house.  He knew they would be unable to pay for the repairs, so he did it for free.  Stacy said, “He’s just an amazing friend and a servant of God, he’s really a servant.”

 

As we begin a new year, may 2021 be the year we intentionally develop habits that look for ways to serve others, are quick to take action, and see where God is working and join Him in His work.

 

 

Show me your ways, LORD,

      teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

     for you are God my Savior,

    and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

   

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restorations, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11