Showing posts with label Example. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Example. Show all posts

Be Kind

Posted: Tuesday, December 9, 2014 by Unknown in Labels: , , , , , , ,
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Last night I was talking with my daughters about the poor behaviors of others while at work. My girls love working with people and at 18 – 23, one is a waitress, one is a salesperson for a cell phone company, and one works at a local grocery store. As such, all three get to see the good as well as the bad behaviors of the people in our community… Which is certainly magnified this time of year.

After listening to their horror stories and sharing a few of my own from my early days selling Christmas trees, I was reminded of the quote; "A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter, or to others, is not a nice person."
My favorites were the people who would say: "I could buy this place and fire you," or "I know the owner and I could have you fired." Those who say such things have revealed more about their character & integrity than about their influence or power.

To live life to the fullest, at some point in our life we need to let go of the idea that some people are below us. The Bible is very clear in stating that this isn't the case. Even if you've worked hard to get to where you are in life, there’s no such thing as a self-made person. Someone believed, encouraged, and invested in you. Be grateful and be that someone for others as well. What goes around eventually comes around. No one has ever made themselves strong in the long run by showing how small someone else is.

Personally, some of the best lessons I have learned in my life have come from people who (my arrogant, younger self) thought that there was nothing that person could teach me. Don't be lazy and make assumptions about people. Ask about their story. Then listen. Be humble. Be teachable. Be human. Next time you want to scold a waitress or argue with a salesperson… realize that was once each of us, and it could be my daughter… or it could be yours.
Remember, The only time you should look down on someone is when you are reaching down to lift them up!
You've got this!
LWS

How to apologize like a man

Posted: Monday, August 20, 2012 by Unknown in Labels: , , , ,
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There will come a time in every man’s life when things don't go his way. This is the reality of life, and I can tell that it’s naive to think that you will always be right or that you will always find yourself on the winning end. You won't, so deal with it. This is especially true if you are a leader involved in a lot of people’s lives. Sometimes you will get the chance to say “I told you so,” other times you will “get” to hear it.
If you are the guilty party, the only real choice you have is to be a man and face the music.  A real man is one who can face up to his mistakes and learn something from them so that he never repeats them.

 So the question is, when is it OK to admit you're wrong? Although this question has puzzled men for centuries, the answer is quite simple: when you're wrong.
Where we get a glimpse into character is watching the way a person admits their mistakes ( if they do so at all ) , if they take full responsibility, and then what they are doing to clean up the mess. I have found that when good men make mistakes, they own up to them and get to work fixing them as best they can, even if it hurts. This takes character, integrity and a greater desire to be good, rather than simply to look good.

I know that many of you are probably thinking, “Isn't admitting defeat a bit like quitting?”
The answer to this question is no. In fact, it couldn't be further from quitting.  Let me explain;
For those of you that know me, you know that I am an optimist and that I hate to lose. I never, under any circumstances say, “What should I do now?” or “Hopefully I'll do better next time.” This type of attitude is weak and lacks vision. However, one shouldn't be afraid to acknowledge defeat either. You see, a real man has the ability to stand up tall and admit that he’s wrong. But, accepting defeat is not the same as admitting defeat. I don't believe that, as a man, you should ever accept defeat. The only thing worse is a man that acts like he is a victim and then defers the blame. A "Never Give Up" mentality is what separates winners from its losers. The ability to swallow your pride after making a mistake shows strength and can begin the process of forgiveness.  With the right attitude, even losing can make you a stronger and better man.

 Finally, if you have a friend or leader who has made an error and is now stepping up, offer them understanding and forgiveness... Lord knows that it could be any of us the next time.

 Lance Smith



Little eyes are watching

Posted: Monday, April 5, 2010 by Unknown in Labels: ,
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A few Sundays ago, I went through my normal morning routine. Wake up the kids, fix breakfast, take a shower, then round up the family and head to church. With four women in my house, I was running late as usual. (It’s not considered disparagement against women if I am stating “facts”…. is it? Hmmm? ) Anyway, not to place the blame on my spouse or any particular child, we were about 15 minutes behind schedule.

Once we got everyone in the car, I tried to make up a little time on the road. I am normally a good driver and try to obey the laws, but this particular morning I was in a rush.

When I got close to my exit, I passed a car on my right, signaled, then crossed into their lane. I paused for a second, signaled again, and then continued down the ramp. I felt like I had enough space for the lane change, but the female driver of the car behind me thought differently. I received an immediate honk, then a single finger out the window at the stop light. (and no, it was not "you're #1 ) Thankfully, my kids were oblivious to the gesture.
My wife on the other hand, witnessed the entire thing. She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Don’t people know there are little eyes watching?” she asked.

The car sped around me when the light turned green then took off down the road. I gave her a little space to avoid a repeat, then continued to church.

I knew that there would only be a few parking spots left, so I went to the back lot and parked my car. As I stepped out, another car drove in from the opposite direction and parked next to me. Immediately, I recognized the driver as the girl who “saluted” me five minutes earlier. She got out of her car, said good morning to me and my family, and then headed towards the chapel.

“Didn’t have a clue did she?” asked my wife. “Nope, no idea,” I replied.

My pastor’s message that day was about “living a Christ like life.” My first response was a quick chuckle since my “new” friend was a few rows away. Suddenly I was reminded of all the things I had done the previous weeks and months.
I thought of the time I had lost my temper and said things Ishouldn't’ have. I was reminded of a comment that I had made that hurt a friends’ feelings. I remembered losing my patience that very morning and barking at my kids for being late. I thought of the time I asked my daughter to lie for me when the phone rang and I told her to tell them I was not home. Yes, it was a virtual movie for the next 20-30 minutes.

I was reminded of Matthew 7:3 "Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother's eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye?"


After church I apologized to my children, then called a few friends to do the same. We must never forget, there are always little (and big) eyes watching.

( Archived from a previous blog of mine )