Today, I have an interesting engagement. At times it sort of makes me feel like the penguins in the movie Madagascar “Smile and Wave Boys, just Smile and Wave”.
But really it’s more than that – even though I am working within some pretty Dilbertesque parameters. Its really more about helping people. Without going into too many details about the whole thing, let’s just say it could be very easy for me to take a hands off approach, just smile and wave, keep everyone happy and move on. But I don’t think thats the difference that we are asked to make in peoples lives. I have been thinking alot ( like all year so far) about living to make those around me better. It’s been a little silent mantra of mine so far this year at work. Today is one of those opportunities when it is what the entire day is really about – making those around me better.
Isn’t that really the way we are called to live every day? (Remember the old children’s bible program acronym for JOY – Jesus Others You) It seems to me that taking that approach everyday is pretty good. Check this quote out:
“To do something, however small, to make others happier and better, is the highest ambition, the most elevating hope, which can inspire a human being” John Lubbock quotes (English Biologist and Politician, 1834-1913)
And then there’s this little bit of encouragement from Philippians:
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 (New International Version)
So today, go out and make those around you better. Find ways to encourage those you come in contact with, and look out for their interests, not your own.