day 102: Garbage In...Garbage Out

"Garbage in...garbage out" applies to many things. In computer science, it refers to bad code that is written means bad results that come out. Within our work lives the phrase is very relevant in that each and every day we all go to work and when we hit the door in the morning, where our minds "are" will be how we approach the day and how others approach us. If we have filled our mind with "garbage" then we can expect that what comes out of us will be recycled right back into our mood and demeanor. Now, you are probably thinking, "what is he talking about, I don't get up every morning and fill my mind with garbage or filth". I doubt you do. I am not referring to garbage in the most defined way. I am thinking of it as filling our minds with thoughts that are less than positive, less than encouraging, less than true or honorable. I am writing of those thoughts that are on the edge of mean-spirited or maybe those that have a little vindication at the core. These are the thoughts we have in the morning about "setting someone straight today" or ensuring that "they get theirs". Nothing malicious or harmful, but just enough on the edge that they shape our approach to the day in a negative versus positive fashion. Whether we like it or not, it's garbage in that produces garbage out. In Philippians 4:8 we can hear with what we are supposed to replace the bad stuff: "And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure, lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." See the difference in that list of things in our mind? It would be hard to argue that if our minds were full of those things that our mood, our demeanor, our approach and our attitude could be nothing but good. That would be good for us and good for others who interact with us daily. So today, do an inventory of the thoughts that are in your head and see how much needs to be discarded and replaced with new thoughts. Taking out the garbage could be a great cleaning exercise today.

Reference: Philippians 4:8 (New Living Testament)

day 101: Uninterruptable Power Source (UPS)

Every business today ensures they have backup energy sources in case power is lost. Threats of natural disasters, terrorism, etc. have made this a requirement. Public companies have “disaster recovery” systems in place as part of the financial security of the company for their shareholders. Any company that depends on their servers for internet traffic will now “co-locate” their servers to another location where they are more assured that they will not lose power. Can you imagine if Google was to lose power for a day? What would the world do? (I’m sure we would be okay, but you get the point). Even at home now we buy Uninterruptable Power Sources (UPS) and connect them between the wall socket and our computers, printers, chargers, alarm systems, etc. so that we can ensure that we are protected. In areas where natural power outages are common from snow and ice, etc. the gas generator is becoming a household staple. So much emphasis on uninterrupted power and yet, I think about ourselves personally and look at how we let our batteries and our own energy deplete to the point of exhaustion and we don’t do much to ensure our own personal UPS. Work and stress can be the most draining personal power suckers imaginable. A hard day at work and we can come home and fall over the threshold stumbling to the sofa or a couch. We do this enough days or weeks in a row and we run the risk of total exhaustion and burnout. Not a pretty picture is it? But not an unfamiliar picture either? God does not want us to live this way. He wants us to live and work with the power of God within us so that we can face the stress, the challenges, the obstacles so energized and positive that others would see and say that only God must be in that person. If we doubt that this is true read no further than in Philippians 2:3: “For god is working in you, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him.” God is saying to us that if we will allow it, He has filled us already with not only the desire but also the power to do those things that please Him and bring Him glory. By itself, those are power giving words. We learn each day here what those things are that we can do at work to bring Him glory and pleasure. If we continue to focus our efforts there and filter and pull our work through those standards, then we can be assured that He is our UPS and that we never need worry about a total blackout in our lives. We have inside of us the power of the One who created all energy and power. Wow, if that does not charge us up today, what will?

Reference: Philippians 2:3 (New Living Testament)

day 100: A Numbers Problem

As Purposed worKING crosses the 100 day mark, I am reminded of the story of Gideon and how I heard it referred to the other day in a meeting, as "Gideon's numbers problem". In business it is all about the numbers. We are working to grow revenue, expand margins, increase profits, decrease costs, even counting people as "headcount". Supposedly the numbers never lie (don't we wish) and all day long we stare at numbers and try to figure out how to make them better. In some instances the numbers just won't get better and we find ourselves stabbing into the dark to try another approach, a different solution, anything we can come up with to try and rectify the problem. It's hard and it gets harder and harder as the numbers get worse. The great story of Gideon in the book of Judges is the same story. Gideon had the numbers stacked against him as God told him to go to battle. He kept looking at his headcount of soldiers vs. the numbers of Midianites and he told God that he was outnumbered and that he couldn't go into battle with so few less warriors than the opposition. God agreed that something was wrong with the numbers and he took care of the problem, but not the way Gideon imagined. God kept narrowing down the number of men that Gideon had until he was well beyond deficient staffing. From the outside looking in, it looked like he was going to fight with overwhelming odds against him and was going to battle with little more than a skeleton crew. But what happens? God delivers a victory with far fewer resources than anyone would have ever humanly planned. And, from the story we learn another valuable lesson about numbers problems. When it looks like the numbers are stacked against us and there doesn't seem any way to win, what God is calling on us to do is to listen to Him and what he said to Gideon in Judges 6:14: "The the Lord turned to to him and said, 'Go with with the strength you have...I am sending you". God wants us, when the odds are against us, and the numbers look worse than bleak, to remember that He is there and through our faith He will provide strength and like He did in the case of Gideon make strength in the numbers. Today may be another day when you are seeing nothing but red numbers all around you and you don't have the answer or solution that others are expecting from you. This is the time to turn over the numbers to God and let him give you strength you need to make the numbers work.

Reference: Judges 6-7, 6:14 (New Living Testament)

day 99: Glory Given

Finding our purpose in our work seems more relevant today than ever. Every where we turn someone we meet is either out of work or in a job that they wish they could get out of, but because of the economy they feel stuck. As such, more time and emphasis is being placed on making our work purposeful, meaningful, significant and relevant. These are lofty and admiral goals to have. If the line of sight of your job to those ambitious words is not obvious, do not be discouraged. There is much more behind those words than just being able to declare that we have "found it"! One thing we know for sure is that regardless of the work we do, whether it be as a welder, a teacher, an executive, a truck-driver, or a software engineer, God has given us all the same purpose on earth that we can take to the office with us. In His prayer Jesus says to His Father: "I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do.". What an amazing statement. Jesus is telling us that we are here on this earth to bring glory to God and the way we do it is by doing everything He tells us to do. And beyond that, we don't have to then go figure out what it is that God wants us to do, instead He gives us an owner's manual in the Bible that we can read, study and apply to our lives. This hearty lesson does not stop just because we go to work and try to leave God at home. The lesson applies in the office, on the route truck, in the field and in headquarters. Bring glory to God in all that you do and you will be living and working within His purpose for you. May today be a day when you feel lifted up and encouraged in this, God's promise and Word.

Reference: John 17:4 (New Living Testament)

day 98: Brave Patience

If there is one thing in work that is hard to master, it is patience. It's funny, but I can't remember anyone being singled out for their ability to have patience. It's usually the other way around and we celebrate those with a sense of urgency and "now attitudes". Yet, we so respect those who are patient with us and who understand that not everything can get done right now or on an unrealistic time frame. These tend to be the type of people we want to work with and for but yet they are not openly rewarded or recognized for this trait. Some things are not needed to be waited on, but other things just won't come to us any other way. We have to wait on others for the things we cannot do ourselves or we wait on suppliers, vendors, etc. to meet their deadlines and expectations. When we do this we get used to the pace and cadence if they meet their obligations and performance standards. We are pleased and satisfied when this happens. When we look at our careers and the directions that we want to go with our work we also have to be patient and do so with assurance and courage that our future will be one that is fulfilling. While we try to have as much influence over the direction of our future we know that God has His hand over us and is moving us in the directions that He wants. We have to be patient and wait on Him. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait patiently on the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently on the Lord". It may well be that some of our discontent and troubles at work are because we are trying to hurry up God. Our impatience grows with our boss, our career, our progression, or even in trying to land that next job. Our impatience can then turn to worry and even fear. God is telling us just the opposite. If we wait on Him patiently, we can do so with courage and bravery for He will deliver. Can you find that calmness of waiting patiently today on the Lord? The peace that comes with patience will be strong within you and evident to others. Finding a patience in your spirit can be a powerful force in your life and into the life of others.

Reference: Psalm 27:14 (New Living Testament)

day 97: Judgment Calls

Wouldn't it be great if everyone at work did everything the way you wanted it done? What utopia it would be to come into the office every morning and know that the day would be arranged exactly to your liking, meetings ran just the way you desired, presentations were created exactly how you would have made the presentation yourself, the schedule took into consideration all of the time off that you needed first, and on and on. But work doesn't work that way. Even when you are the CEO or the boss no one does everything exactly to your liking and specification. How nice that would be, but alas it is not to be. As a co-worker it's the same way. We depend on others and think they will think and act like we would, but they are of independent mind as well and things just get done differently. And when any of this happens and we aren't happy about how someone else approaches a task or issue and things don't go the way that we want them to, we then have to make a decision on what our response will be. I have seen over the years that the approach most often taken is the one that causes the most long term damage. It is to be judgmental of others. It seems easy to speak out and call someone for not doing it like we would have and consequentially tear them down versus building them up. When we are judgmental we are running counter to direction we are given in Luke 6:42: "...How can you think of saying, Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye, when you can't see past the log in your own eye?" You see, that is the missing secret in all of this. For every judgement we pass on others, there are many that can be passed back to us, but for the grace of God someone has just decided to not so as of yet. A grade-school teacher taught me that when you point your index finger at someone else that at least three of your other fingers are pointing right back at you. 3:1 is not a good ratio. Today when things are not going your way and you have the choice to be judgemental or not think about the call you are about to make. A moment of hesitation before the finger gets pulled out could be the difference between the judgement coming your way the next time or not. And even more so, deciding to not be judgmental of others but instead to find another way to get the point across could be a very important life-moment for the person on the receiving end. The example of how to not be judgemental can be way more powerful than the way that is most easily, and unfortunately, more often taken.


Reference: Luke 6:42 (New Living Testament)

day 96: Behind The Scenes

There is always someone behind the scenes who is doing a lot of heavy lifting and hard work but who is rarely seen or noticed. Occasionally at work the unsung heroes get called out and invariably everyone is so appreciative that a standing ovation and lots of recognition is given out to them. And then, the moment passes and we all go back to our jobs and we tend to once again forget the unsung. Instead of remembering and continuing to build up those who are not in the spotlight, we head back to our work and look for how we can land in the spotlight ourselves. It's just the way that work works. There is a different approach that we can take and it is one that will be fulfilling both to us and to others. Paul says in Romans 15:2: "We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord". What he is saying is that if we are really serious about building up others then we need to worry about pleasing and helping them versus worrying about pleasing and helping ourselves. It's in our human nature to think first of ourselves and second about others, but it is supposed to be the other way around. We all have brothers and sisters in faith who we know in our workplace. If we want to build them up in the Lord and help them be stronger and more effective as witnesses and examples, then we need to reach out to them and ensure that we understand what help they need and then go about providing them this assistance. And we should not stop there. We should do this for all of our co-workers as we strive to build them up and ensure that they can see through us the example of a life well-lived and different than the rest. There will be many opportunities today to practice this principle. Pick one or two and intentionally go out of your way to help and please and then watch what happens. I suspect that you will like the outcome and even more so, the person who you are helping will receive far more assistance than what is obvious at the moment. Is it time for you to become a behind the scenes builder of others?

Reference: Romans 15:2 (New Living Testament)

day 95: Prosperity Means Hard Work

I know few people who work without hoping to get ahead and also add to their financial security. It is Biblical that prosperity can come from hard work. Proverbs 12:11 says just that, “Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time”. We are expected to work for our rewards and if we want to enjoy prosperity then we are to not only work, we are to work hard and not be foolish with the time we have. Idling away our time is defined as being for fools. I sometimes find it hard to discern between what is idling time and ensuring that I get enough rest and downtime to keep the batteries charged so that I can work hard. I don’t think that finding time to renew ourselves physically and mentally before or after our hard work is being idle with our time. We all know those who are foolish with their time and we watch them waste their potential. Most, I would say are far from being that way, but there are certainly some who just never get it together. Working hard is also a subjective measure. I know when I have put in more than my fair share on a project or a piece of work because when I am done I feel like I have gone the extra mile and pushed myself. It is also in those times that I feel like I have grown and strengthened myself. It is clear that if we want prosperity that we are going to have to be willing to work hard. It certainly is a choice that we get to make individually each and every day. Today, when faced with the challenges of work and the rewards that come from it, continue to ask yourself as to whether or not you are giving your best to the task at hand or are you finding yourself taking shortcuts or not putting your all into your job? Now may be the time to recalibrate yourself and find that extra gear to ensure that you are working hard at what you do and setting yourself up for the prosperity that can be yours.

Reference: Proverbs 12:11 (New Living Testament)

day 94: Returned Rewards

We all want to do well at work. We all want to also be rewarded for doing well. It is when we think we are doing well and we are not rewarded to our expectations that we tend to get antsy, upset, disheartened and worse yet, disenfranchised. We then make decisions on how long to stay at the same job and how hard we will work and how much we will or won’t put of ourselves into the job at hand. We all have examples of when we think the rewards and recognition doesn’t match up to our expectations and how we feel when that happens. It is a very hard conversation to have with our employers and sometimes we don’t even know with who we should have the conversation. Should it be our boss directly or some intermediaries like an HR person? Regardless of who it is, it is still a difficult conversation to have and one that if you can avoid entirely, then all the better. But what are we to do in the situation where something has to change? Other than the leverage of leaving the company, which is not the purpose or the desired outcome, there is not much we can say to potentially change the results. One thing the Bible tells us is that there are certain areas that an employer cares more about than others and that if we are concentrating our efforts and work in those areas that we are more likely to be rewarded than not. In Proverbs 27:18 we are told; “Workers who tend a fig tree well are allowed to eat its fruit. In the same way, workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.” The key to the rewards desired is in knowing, fulfilling and protecting the interests of our employers. This sounds so simple and should be easy to do. But, it is not as clear as it looks on the surface. What are sometimes hard to discern is the true interests of the company, the ones that when pressed and threatened that the company would be stopped in their tracks. Listen carefully to what you hear your boss and CEO saying about where the company is putting its resources (human and financial) and align your work to those goals and objectives. If you are seen as one who is committed to protecting those interests you will be rewarded. I would also add that if you are one who shows other that you care this passionately about the success and sustainability of the company that you will be a role model to others. That in itself gives you a platform to share and tell others why you are so committed.

Reference: Proverbs 27:28 (New Living Testament)

day 93: Job Worries?

Did you wake this morning worrying about whether or not the security of your job is as good as you want it to be? Are you faced this week with a situation, a report, a presentation, a sales call, or a difficult decision that has you worrying about the outcome as it relates to keeping your job or business? Let me assure you, if you are, you are far from being alone. Each week and each day we can be facing a decisive moment or situation that could affect whether or not we keep our job or lose it. I would say that it is more of an occurrence today than ever. What are we to do with ourselves on these days? Are we to hit the snooze button and roll back over and avoid the day? Are we to allow ourselves to stress, strain and worry ourselves and others into paralysis or worse? Of course not. We are to face the challenges head on without fear or worry, knowing that if we are following in the footsteps of our Lord that these issues will pass and the right things will happen. We are told this in Matthew 6:25: “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…” The verse goes on to tell us not to worry about many of the things that are the output of our work. Things like, food, drink and clothes. It is so clear, but so hard to practice. It is hard to have the faith to put the worries of everyday life aside and trust God that He will deliver. I have known people who have been able to do so and sometimes it seems almost ridiculous to hear how much of their lives that they turn over, but in the end they are the ones that have the faith, certainly not me who can find myself not having enough faith to even believe that they do. But, it is clear, we are to give up the worries and let God direct us. In this time of turmoil I hear of many who are seeking God for the first time as they exhaust all other possibilities. Let’s be the examples as ones who have put their worries of everyday life, work being a part of that everyday life, on the back burner and allowing others to see a peace of mind and being that truly passeth all understanding.

Reference: Matthew 6:25 (New Living Testament)

day 92: No Quitting!

We all have reasons and times to quit and leave our jobs. Sometimes it is the work. Sometimes it is the lack of progression or pay. Sometimes it is the direction and future of the company. Sometimes it is the people we work with and more often than not, it is because of our boss. Yes, all the research says we don’t really work for companies, we work for people and the most influential people are the people who we directly work for; our bosses. And if there is ever anything that wants to make you pack up the boxes, email in the resignation and stomp out the door, is when your boss is upset or angry with you and you know that he/she just doesn’t “get it” or understand or worse, want to take the time to really understand the situation at hand. So, we let it get under our skin, fester until we can’t take it any more and then we make the decision to quit, if for no other reason than we can’t stand working for that boss anymore. Sound familiar? This happens all the time and I would say that a very high percentage of people issue conversations I have had in my career have linked directly back to a bad boss/subordinate relationship. Many of these failed “relationships” ended up with the subordinate leaving the company in a huff and not feeling good about the company or themselves. Something that could have been fixed became the catalyst for a major life change. The Bible has so much to say about work, but I am guessing that you wouldn’t think, like I didn’t, that we are actually given a word about this particular topic. In Ecclesiastes 10:4 we are told: “If your boss is angry with you, don’t quit. A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes”. Amazing, huh? So the next time that your boss or your bosses boss takes aim at you and they are angry with you and you with them, know that you are to not let it get to you. We are to draw upon the strength that we find in our faith and let the quiet spirit and peace take us through this rough patch. The over-arching message I receive from this verse is that once again we are to tame our tempers and our reactions to the tempers of others, even when the tempers of others are so influential like they are when it is our boss. We are human but the reactions that we decide to allow of ourselves can have serious consequences or very positive results. The choice remains ours each and every day. If faced with this choice today, we now know how we are to respond.

Reference: Ecclesiastes 10:4 (New Living Testament)

day 91: Rescue Plans, part 3 - Rebuild!

God needed to help the people of Israel as their land was without jobs or wages for people or animals. He gave them a rescue plan by putting the people back to work to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. It was a terrible time in the land. Beyond no jobs safety was compromised and no traveler was safe and there were enemies at each corner of the land. I picture the worst of the worst and what might have made our recessions and depressions look tame. God got the people working and had them pour their energy, spirit and resources into the rebuilding of the Temple. The message in Zechariah, Chapter 8 is clear; God is about rebuilding and we are to be a part of His plans. There is another message that I take from these passages in that when the going gets tough He puts His Temple in front of us to rebuild. In today's times that are as tough as any of have seen, when we worry about the security of the job we have or finding another position to replace the one we just lost, we have to find a point of focus and faith. He gives us that in verse 13 when we are told, "So don't be discouraged, but instead get on with rebuilding the Temple". Today, for us, the rebuilding is the relationship we can have with Him. He tells us that our bodies are the temple and we need to ensure that the relationship with God within them is strong, stable and secure. So much of our lives are filled with turmoil and challenges that come at us from all angles, work included. What God is telling us is that we don't have to be discouraged or worried about any of these if we are about the work of rebuilding His temple within our lives. God loves to see us do well and to do the work He has given us with all the might and energy that we can muster. Today as we face the continuing bad news, the curve ball that we weren't expecting, or the decision made by someone else that affects us but we can't do anything about, then let's call on His words and let's not be discouraged but instead take heart in knowing that we are being rebuilt anew!

Reference: Zechariah 8: 9-13 (New Living Testament)

day 90: Rescue Plans, part 2 - Finish The Job!

The story in Zechariah of how God fixed dire economic issues with His version of a rescue plan and stimulus package, is a great story. God tells the people to go to work to rebuild the Temple and that He will take care of all the rest. I love the way that God gives us tasks and that when we put our hands to work that He gives us ways to work through and find resolution to small and big issues. In this instance it was a very big issue as there were no jobs or wages for people or animals. Within the story there is a lesson that God also reveals. In verse 9 of Chapter 8 it reads: "This is what the Lord Almighty says; take heart and finish the task!" Throughout the Bible we are told to be good finishers and to be a completer in what we do. But in this instance God directly places direction over the work of hands, minds and limbs. We are to finish the work we start and we are to do so with full vigor and energy; we are to "take heart". Being a strong finisher and not stopping, not giving up until we have completed is a trait that we see throughout the role models and examples for our lives. The greatest example is that of our Lord whose journey through His human life was not complete until He said, "It is finished". We are called upon each and every day in our lives and work to complete and finish something. We make those choices daily and set examples for others who are watching. Think long and hard today about those tasks that are before you and ask yourself, "are you taking heart to finish the tasks that you have"? God provided an outpouring and blessing for the Israelites as they got back to work to rebuild the temple. He will do the same for us if we finish well the work he has given us each to do.

Reference: Zechariah 8:9-13 (New Living Testament)

day 89: Rescue Plans, part 1 - People to Work

We are now getting used to hearing about government rescue plans and bailouts and work programs that will create jobs. In many work places those ideas are part of the planning for the future of the company as they relate to economic growth and consumer confidence. In America we still hear and read about "The Works Progress Administration" and can see buildings, roads,schools, monuments and dams that were created during that period. We work today with our eye on both the public and private sector and watch as they sometimes blend together. I was fascinated by my reading of the book of Zechariah and what happened at a time of complete economic meltdown in those days. In the eighth chapter we learn of a time when "there were no jobs and no wages for either people or animals". (FYI, these troubled economics periods we see in our modern age are nothing new). But, what was most intriguing to me was that during those times the "stimulus package" was to put people back to work by rebuilding the temple. The people of Israel are told in Chapter 8 verse 13: "Now I will rescue you and and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing! So don't be afraid or discouraged, but instead get on with rebuilding the Temple!" Even way back then, God had a plan for how to put in a comprehensive rescue plan by putting people to work on his Temple. We are faced with today the challenges of what to do when it seems that the world and our situations are crumbling around us. There are many messages in Zechariah that we can take forward, but one that sticks with me is that in the troubling times we are not to lean back and become complacent or retiring. We are to lean forward and get to work. We are to work our way out of situations and crisis, not depend on others to do so for us. God said to the Israelites, "don't get discouraged", just get on with getting the job done. Get on with getting to work. Each of us have our own challenges and issues to work through during these difficult times and we should take heart that God tells us that this is not the first time and that like He did before He will put in front of us work to be done. We just need to pick ourselves up and get on with it. It may be today in your job when you need that extra bit of motivation to complete the task. Today, listen to what we are told and just get on with it.

Reference: Zechariah 8:9-13 (New Living Testament)

day 88: Better To Keep It To Yourself

I was with some friends the other night and as usual in most conversations, the subject drifted to a work situation. One of the guys was describing a person who he works with who no matter what the topic or issue will turn the attention to himself and all the great things he has done. My friend described it as "sickening" and so predictable that everyone knows that it is coming. As such, this person is avoided and others don't want to be assigned projects or work with him. As I reflected on this, it made me wonder if the person who is the attention-grabber even knows that he is being this way and worse, does anyone really care enough about him now to pull him aside and let him know. Probably not on both fronts. It is very easy to become an attention-grabber and focus on yourself rather than others. Work is sort of set up that way anyway with individual contributions being called out and recognized and rewarded so often. But this idea of boasting and pounding on our chests about our achievements runs counter to the life that we are supposed to be living. I love what Paul has to say about it in 2 Corinthians 10:18. He says, "When people boast about themselves, it doesn't count for much." That's about as in your face as something could be said. He is telling us that all of the bravado and the trying to get the attention and the credit is wasted time, energy and effort. Simply put, "it doesn't count much". We only have so much time in the day, the week, and in our careers so shouldn't' we spend that time on the things that do count for something not the things don't count much? The things that count are the time that we spend furthering our purpose and strengthening our relationship with God and others. Today when the credit is getting doled out, the best thing you might do is to just keep your thoughts and words to yourself and let the boasting about something great you did be done by someone else. That moment of silence and restraint might actually end up being something that does count after all.

Reference: 2 Corinthians 10:18 (New Living Testament)

Day 87: Security Guards

My first "professional" job was with a defense contractor who made airplane engines. I don't know why I was surprised by the high level of security in the plant in East Hartford, CT., but being a Midwestern boy with not a lot of exposure to the outside world, I marveled each day at the number of security guards at the gates, the doors, and wandering around on the plant floor. They were guarding "top secret" stuff. Today, we are used to both physical plant security and cyber-security. Intellectual property and company information is highly guarded with email monitoring systems, anti-virus programs, and prevention from hackers into networks. Companies have programs that are running all the time to guard against the company's reputation and what their employees do online in their free, and work, time. When it comes down to it, when we are at work, we are guarded in someway all the time. Sometimes protecting the company and other times protecting us from ourselves. While no one likes "big brother", it is not all bad to have someone else watching out and over us because, truth be told, we aren't very good as human beings at guarding ourselves. Our lack of self-imposed personal security shows up all the time in the mistakes of life. We continue to be upset by the co-worker whose marriage falls apart, or the person with who we know drinks a little too much and ends up with the DUI, or a myriad of bad judgement remarks or actions that can derail or ruin a person's reputation and career. How many times do we find ourselves reading or hearing something and we say to ourselves, "Didn't they know better"? We just aren't good at guarding ourselves. God tells us that we must be more diligent in this area. In Proverbs 4:23 we are told where to place the security guard in our lives, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." There it is, plain and simple. The security plan of life. If we guard our hearts, keeping ourselves as pure as we can, then we can know that the course of our life is on track and on purpose. Our heart is shaped by our thoughts, the intake into our mind, the words we hear and use, the influences we have around us. As you think about today and what is in front of you, can you see the places, meetings, interactions, where your heart must be guarded? Starting with this recognition and being prepared for the security breeches against your heart, can be life changing.

Reference: Proverbs 4:23 (New Living Testament)

day 86: Refreshment

Work can be draining of energy and spirit. Ever notice how you feel the freshest in the morning and by the time the end of the day rolls around it can sometimes feel like you are falling across the door threshold of home? The release thump of the briefcase on the entry way floor may be the loudest noise of the day. I once saw a study that was done where researchers videotaped people from the time they got out of their cars in the office parking lot to the time they got to their office door. What the research found was that people walked the fastest and stood most erect at the time of getting out of their car in the morning and as they walked towards their office they slowed more and more and their posture worsened so that as they walked into their office itself they were more bent over and walking slower than at any other point. I know that feeling. The burdens of the day can start climbing out of the briefcase and onto your shoulders as the day starts. And so we find ourselves needing and wanting refreshment of energy and spirit to keep the day "up" and productive. The Bible tells us how to do find this refreshment. Proverbs 11:25 says, "The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed". It's counter intuitive but it's true. To be refreshed and to stay up we must give more than we receive. I once worked for a guy, Gregg, who used to say to us that he felt his job was to be an "encourager" and that he felt that his duty was to come to the office each and every day with an uplifted and positive spirit and pass that along to others. And you know what? It worked. When he would enter the room things got better. I know it took a lot out of him but I also know that the Biblical principle mentioned above was working through Gregg. The more encouraging and refreshing he was, the more he got back. When greeted with a smile, we smile back. Gregg received smiles all day long. It's not easy, but it's certainly worth a try. So, today, can you put the smile of the Lord on your face and try and be a refresher for others? I'd ask you to try and then take a mood check at the end of the day. If you see any hints of a result then try again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after. Who knows how your disposition and outlook for work might change from such a simple attitude adjustment.

Reference: Proverbs 11:25 (New Living Testament)

Day 85: Don't Look Back

This past week I got caught in the ice-storms that fell on Kentucky and Indiana. On my first full day there, on an eight-day trip, the big storm came in and took away power and made it nearly impossible to drive and get around. The driveway at my Mother’s place in Southern Indiana was impossible to go up all the way so I found myself driving halfway up, parking and then having to back down when time to leave. The unfamiliar backing down on this eighth of a mile curvy and sloped driveway would be too scary but I grew up there and I know it to the point that I could almost do it without the lights on in the dark. But I did something yesterday I normally would never do. As I was backing down, I turned my head for just a second to look and see where I had come from and then when I returned to where I was heading I had lost direction and I was off to the side and heading for the ditch. Fortunately, I was able to course correct fast enough and miss getting stuck. “Whew, I said to myself”. I was immediately reminded of the times that we are told in the Bible to “not look back” from where we have come as it will mess up the course of where we are going. Jesus says it about our spiritual lives in Luke 9:62, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." We also learned to not look back as Lot's wife did and she turned to the pillar of salt. At work is easy to look back over the twists and turns of our career. We think about promotions missed, opportunities turned down, moves not made, etc. I have a dear friend who didn't make a move years ago to another company when the decision came down to the needs of his family over his career desires. He has had a great career and done well, but to this day he still laments and is haunted over not making the move. It is hard for me, but I just say to him, "get over it. It all worked out okay". People who look back and fixate on the past or yearn for the "good old days" tend to not have such a straight path to the future. God has great things in store for us in life and in the part of our lives we call work. We can be living our purpose within our work and He wants us to keep our eyes fixed forward (and upward) on Him and the plans he has for us. If you are harboring the misses in your career and job, then like my buddy, "get over it"! It's time for us to straighten our path and continue to move to the future with purpose and meaning. So today, if you find yourself in that backward looking mood, do a 180 turn and make today a forward looking blessed day.

Reference: Luke 9:62 (New Living Testament)

day 84: Count The Cost...First

Work is full of lots of “big ideas” and what Collins and Porras call: “BHAGs...Big Hairy Audacious Goals”. We are pushed to come up with these and sometimes we are the ones who are challenging others to do so. There’s nothing wrong with these as they do push us to new limits and help us reach our full potential. There are many great stories about those who invented or achieved the seemingly impossible just because someone else told them that their work to date was “just not good enough”. When we work with, and for, the kind of people who can get the most from us, we tend to like and respect them and we thank them for making us better. At the same time though we need to be sure that we are being realistic in our goal setting and also doing our homework upfront before we commit or promise to deliver. It’s a fine balance as we want to always go above and beyond but at the same time we don’t want to be known as one who consistently sets lofty and unrealistic goals and then ends up not delivering or letting others down. It is actually Biblical to be a realistic planner and expectation setter. We see this in Luke as Jesus was teaching about making commitments to be a follower of Him. He says in Chapter 14: 28-30, “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bills? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of funds. And then how everyone would laugh at you! They would say, ‘There’s the person who started the building and ran out of money before it was finished”. These are words to which the wise will listen. There are many things in business that are worse to start and never finish than to never have started in the first place. The stakes are especially high when it comes to those things that can truly effect how people feel about their leaders and the business. I was recently consulting with an organization who wanted to do all the right things but when I looked over the number of initiatives over the past few years that they had started but never completed, one could see a long list of good but because never completed programs that were now corporate shipwrecks. And not surprising to me, but surprising to them, the most recent new programs they had rolled out were received with a jaundiced and skeptical eye. Their reputations as leaders were now built on hollow words and unfulfilled promises. It is not a pretty place to be. As ones who are striving to meld our purpose and our work and use our work as a positive example and platform, we need to think hard about how we set our goals and plans so that we are known to be ones who deliver and don’t over promise or get ahead of ourselves. Each and every time we follow-through, count the cost ahead of time, and then fulfill our commitments we build credibility with others. And one never knows the long-lasting impact of the words and examples from someone who is credible and believable in all they do.

Reference: Luke 14: 28-30 (New Living Testament)

day 83: Super Loyalty

The Monday after Super Bowl has every meeting and phone call beginning discussing the big game from the night before. Some fans are ecstatic and others are dejected. And some have their pre-game loyalties challenged enough that they waffle and become neutral after the loss. It's the old cynical adage, "I'm with you win or tie". However, to be there win, tie and lose is to show true loyalty. At work the word "loyal" can come up frequently as decisions are made about who will be promoted, receive a raise or receive more responsibility. Anyone who manages or leads people know that the desire and need for loyalty from their employees is to them very important. No one wants to have someone working for ,or work next to someone, who is constantly looking for the next job or the next company. We have all worked with these people and know that it gets old pretty quickly to hear about "that recruiter call I just got", or that "interview", or "that better job that must be out there for me". These are not the people who you want to recruit on your team or can count on when the going gets tough. We want to work with loyal teammates and your co-workers want the same from us. There are many examples in the Bible of those who are loyal to Christ and also examples of those who weren't and we learn of the pain they go through as they find their way back. We are to be loyal people in our lives. We make many commitments within our lives and we are to live up to those commitments. In Proverbs 3:3 we are told, "Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart". Some can have their spurts of loyalty but our loyalty is to run deep within us and be super in its impact and example. Of course there is time for change and no one is to be blindly loyal to their company, but there is a loyalty that is supposed to be there to others and we need to know how that loyalty looks and feels for each of us. We are to live up to our commitments. Today, think about the commitments you have made to your co-workers, your boss, your company. Whatever those commitments, know that today is a day to be a great example of how to be loyal. Others are watching.

Reference: Proverbs 3:3 (New Living Testament)