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)