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This award is presented annually to the photographer who earned the most ribbons in the "Advanced Division" during the competition, which is held each October.
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One morning
during my shift as a “Pink Lady” at our local hospital, I accepted a beautiful arrangement
of flowers from a delivery person, who said, “Will you see that [name] gets
these? She works in the dietary department.”
I hurried to the
elevator, eager to do my small part in bringing delight to the recipient. When
I exited, I saw the cafeteria manager standing in the hallway that led to the
cafeteria. “Steve,” I said, “these are for [name], but I have no idea who she
is or where I might find her.”
“I’ll be glad to
take them to her. She’s washing pots and pans for us today.” He smiled. “She’s happy
wherever she’s assigned, but these flowers will make her day. I’m glad someone sent them, for she deserves this
special surprise. She’s one of the best employees I have. Always arrives early for work. Does a really
good job wherever we need her. And she gets along well with everyone.”
With a courteous
nod, he headed off to deliver them. I was sorry I couldn’t go along and meet
the exemplary employee—and see her happy face.
That experience
came to mind a few weeks later as I listened to an online Bible study of the book
of Titus. The teacher, Dr. Howard Hendricks, emphasized that every Christian has
a ministry even if he is not serving on a church staff. No matter where we live
and work, we are to be persons of integrity—living exemplary lives, and speaking
and conducting ourselves in ways that honor our Lord.
A Christian
should be the best employee that a company has, whether he holds a high or low
position. That doesn’t necessarily mean he must be the most skilled or receive the
most recognition, but it does mean his character
should be the finest of anyone in that environment. Or, to borrow the phrase
used in Titus 1:6, 7, a Christian should be “above reproach.” In other words,
people should find no fault, no flaw, in his character.
As I reflected
on that, I recalled a similar truth found in Proverbs 31, a Bible passage that
describes an excellent wife. “She is far more precious than jewels. The heart
of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him
good, and not harm, all the days of her life” (vv. 10b-12).
The writer of
that passage then mentions some of the ways she ministers to/serves her husband
and their family. While faithfully doing her work well, she displays strength,
dignity, wisdom, kindness, etc.
Thus, “Her
children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all’” (Proverbs
31:29-30a).
Because of her
character, her commitment to excellence, and her faithfulness in serving others,
she provides an excellent example for us as we relate to our employer, our
co-workers, our family, and our friends.
Wherever we are,
we have opportunities to show others that, having been born again/anew, we are
indeed a new creation; the old things (old ways) have passed away and new ways
have come. And now, we’ve been given the awesome privilege of serving as
ambassadors for Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.)
Let’s be good
ones—VERY good ones!
Note: This article was submitted for publication in the Sept. 2015 issue of Chapel Hill News and Views, a magazine that's published monthly in the Douglasville, Georgia, area. I've been a columnist for that magazine since Feb. 2008.
Happy Labor Day!
That’s what we wanted, but not what we
had! Our lives were filled with stress as we juggled family responsibilities,
job demands, church and community activities, etc. We lamented the fact that
our busy schedules allowed little time for relaxation or for being with those
dearest to us. We talked on and on, oblivious to the downpour of rain.
Suddenly, Joann started to giggle. “Johnnie, we’re just two old turtles being
forced to live in the fast lane!” 
