Tag: work

Cleaning House

 
Recently two of my granddaughters planned a day to go shopping with their mother but one of them discovered that she didn’t have enough money to buy what she wanted. As a loving grandfather I was ready to provide some extra funds to enable them to purchase what they were dreaming of.
 
But their parents have tried to teach these young girls that the way we get money to purchase things we want is by working. Money doesn’t just appear out of thin air. Adults get paid by their employer for the work they do. Children can also earn money by doing chores around the house and by doing extra things for neighbors and relatives. 
 
After checking with their parents I offered to hire my two young granddaughters to clean my house. Their mother agreed to come and help too. I decided to work with one of the girls and their mother worked with other. We identified things that needed cleaning and got to work.
 
My partner and I decided to dust the living room and bedrooms. I was surprised how much dust there was in our house and how many things needed dusting. It took a long time to dust the furniture and various tables in all of the rooms and all of the decorations on them. The other granddaughter and her mother cleaned the bathrooms, vacuumed the carpet and mopped the kitchen floor. I was impressed at how hard the grandkids worked and never complained.
 
After two hours of working together the house looked so much better. We agreed that these young girls needed some nourishment so we went to In N Out and enjoyed burgers, fries and shared a shake. I checked with their father about the new minimum wage in LA County. It was more than I expected but worth every dollar. I was thankful to have a clean house and they were glad to have money for shopping.
 
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Whatever you do, do your work with all of your heart” (Colossians 3:23). In addition it says, “The worker deserves his pay” (First Timothy 5:18). Let me encourage you to work hard and do your best at any job. And let me encourage you to pay your workers a fair wage. Help your children learn the importance of hard of work. Teach them about wise spending and saving. Instill in their hearts a desire to share some of what they earn with others in need (Ephesians 4:28). You will be glad you did and they will too.  

You can read 365 more stories by the author (one for every day of the year) in his book titled, Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. Purchase your copy for only $20 plus $5 for postage. Order you book today at markh@efreedb.org.

Unhealthy Comparisons (Part 2)

white porsche 911 parked in front of building

Many problems in marriage are related to unfulfilled expectations and unrealistic comparisons. I shared in a previous article that unfulfilled expectations lead to frustration. Couples become disillusioned and disappointed when their expectations are not met.

Unrealistic comparisons can also sow seeds of resentment and dissatisfaction. For example, when you compare your old car with your neighbor’s new one, you may find yourself dissatisfied. You had no problems with your old car until you sat in the front seat of your neighbor’s new car. Now your car looks old as you notice the stain on the seat and the chip on the exterior paint. The new car shines while your old car looks dull.

Comparisons can poison your relationships with other people too. When you compare your new boss with your old boss you may find yourself critical and disappointed. You may have been comfortable working for your previous employer but now you don’t like the changes the new boss has introduced.

When a wife compares her husband with other men, she may become disillusioned and bitter. When she notices that other men bring flowers to their wife and her husband does not, she may begin to question her husband’s love and affection for her. Whenever you compare one person with another or one car with another, dissatisfaction and disappointment are likely.

I caution new visitors at our church that our church may look better than the one they have attended for many years. I encourage them to stay at their old church where they have friends and deep roots. Stay where you are. Don’t compare one church with another or one pastor with another. They each have their strengths and weaknesses.

There is a passage in the Bible where church people were comparing different leaders. Some liked Apollos while others preferred Paul. This resulted in division in the church at Corinth. Paul encouraged his readers to not compare one leader with another but realize that both are working together to spread the good news about Jesus (First Corinthians 3:3-9).

Let me encourage you to not make unhealthy comparisons. Your spouse, your boss and your pastor will have their own strengths and weaknesses. Focus on their good qualities. Encourage them with your words and support. You will be glad you did and they will too!

You can read 365 more articles and stories (one for every day of the year) in the author’s book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The price is only $20 plus postage ($5). Order your book today at markh@efreedb.org