 |
| via Microsoft Office clip art |
I hear laughter as I glance over at the corner table. Four men with tanned, leathery skin, obviously from working hard in the scorching sun, and rough, calloused hands that reveal the accumulation of years of work-hardening, were enjoying the reward of a hearty lunch with friends after a long, strenuous morning of providing for their families. I smiled as I noticed the laugh lines etched in their sun-burned faces which showed me gentle yet jovial dispositions, and that impressed me since they had toiled for hours through the hottest part of the day repairing the roof of a nearby office building.
I could hardly breathe myself that day from the intense heat as I merely walked across the parking lot toward the popular Amish deli where my daughter and I enjoy having lunch. It was difficult for me to imagine the men having to return to their roof work in this heat!
Behind me, the women making the soups, salads, and sandwiches tirelessly served customer after customer with no end seemingly in sight. I had noticed their red, sweat-beaded faces, yet they continued smiling cheerfully as they prepared their masterpieces for each customer as if each was the only one in the restaurant. As I scanned the deli, I noticed the shelves of Amish goodies that these ladies had prepared from scratch with their own hands. A tradition of excellence and hard work have distinguished this deli as one of the top spots to dine in our town.
As my eyes peer out the front window, I see fire trucks speeding through town toward, what I would discover later, one of the town’s historical homes that was burning to the ground. These heroes rushed toward danger to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of property.
My mind began to swarm with thoughts of all the hard workers that make our country great, such as these roofers, restaurant workers, and fire fighters. If it weren’t for the blue collar worker, we would not be able to enjoy the various privileges and luxuries to which many of us have become accustomed. Think about it…factory workers, automotive manufacturers, farmers, coal miners, mechanics, truck drivers, seamstresses, cooks and servers, sales associates, teachers, medical professionals, clerical workers, landscapers, custodial workers, electricians, maids, construction workers, policemen, fire fighters, and so on, and so on… I don’t want to leave anyone out, but I want to include everyone who works hard for a living. I am consumed with gratitude in my heart for these people whom I consider the backbone of our nation.
 |
|
| This is my husband’s work. It’s fascinating to see a KIA being put together! |
As I walked back to my car after lunch, I noticed a family climbing out of an older, modest vehicle. I observed the muscular yet gentle-spoken father, whose physique and clothing revealed his blue collar status. I noticed an attentive but weary mother as she struggled with her two rambunctious little boys. I thought to myself, this is why they do it. This is why they get up before sunrise and give an honest day’s work, regardless of how their bodies ache. They are doing it for their precious families. They may not have much in the way of material possessions, but God bless the fathers and mothers out there who tirelessly do the unpleasant jobs and give the very best they can to ensure the best life possible for their families. From this core, the benefit of their work is passed on down the line, and indirectly, we are all blessed by these typically unsung men and women.
That day, I was inspired to begin showing more respect and honor to hard workers I encounter everywhere I go. I am making an effort to take notice of what people around me do, and to show appreciation for their hard work. I am trying to be more gracious to waitresses, for example, and to tip generously. I am trying to speak kindly to the uneducated yet skilled workers who are typically overlooked by others. I recognize the interdependence we all have on each other, regardless of our backgrounds.
I encourage you to say thank you. Speak kindly. Smile. Treat others with dignity. Tip well. Pay compliments. Your appreciation will encourage others to continue doing their part in making our world a bit better. We may never know when a timely word or gesture may be just what someone needs to keep going.
Secondly, this has caused me to question my own attitude toward work. During my years as a teacher, my love for my students propelled me to give my very best every day. However, now that I am in a more flexible situation, it is easy for me to become lax and begin to complain about the work I must do. As I contemplate the work ethic of the blue collar workers I had observed, I feel ashamed of my own aversion to hard work. They inspire me to cheerfully labor with excellence and to give God glory with all that I do.
For those who are content to merely pass time with mediocrity, I want to challenge you to raise the bar. Give your best. Work enthusiastically and strive for excellence. Do the best you can with what you have, and be content with nothing less. At the end of the day, nothing is more satisfying than knowing that you have contributed your best to fulfill your part of the big picture.
To all of the blue collar workers out there, thank you! What you do matters, and your hard work is appreciated!
Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT
This song says it all! I love it!
