Encouragement 101

So I was out early this morning and half a half an hour to kill between appointments, so I went to McDonalds for a coffee. I purchased my hot cup of life and went to the "lounge" to watch the big screen and read captions. While I'm there I notice a fellow about early thirties cleaning windows and metal door frames, etc. Now hang on; What captured my attention was the alacrity with which he did his job. He cleaned the windows with more fervor than I clean my Harley. I was mesmerized as I watched him move to the doors and proceed to whip out a Brillo pad and even scrub around the hinges and door closure. Never have I seen such attention to detail and work ethic.

As I was leaving I thought, "I should really encourage that guy and comment on his work ethic". As I was about to leave that little voice (not the godly one) said, "Nah, he'll think you're a weirdo, or hitting on him or something - I mean who does that?". But, the good voice won out and decided, why not - so I went over and really laid it on about his being an inspiration and how awesome I noticed he did his work. He was SO appreciative! He thanked me and I could see his spirit begin to glow - I had really made his day.

How easy it is, if we will just be attentive, to lift the spirits of those around us. In a world of terrorist headlines, child abuse, corrupt business practices, etc., its refreshing to see that there are still hard working, down-to-earth people out there doing the absolute best they can at whatever their hands find to do. Let's encourage them with a kind word and smile and let them know we saw the and appreciate their efforts. A great practice for a new year.