"Shine Where You Are"

Whatever our role in life may be, the choice is always ours to approach it in one of two ways. We can to decide to complain and be unhappy, or to carry out our daily tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. Everything we do matters to someone, so why not shine where you are placed?

I once attended a funeral for a gentleman who was the janitor of the nearby local high school. As a crowd filed in and took their seats, I began hearing how well-liked this man was, coming straight from people whose lives he had touched. The large church was packed to standing room only with residents who were thankful to have known a human being who loved what he did and performed his job to the very best of his abilities. Numerous coworkers, local leaders and school officials spoke of his smile and sincerity this man showed to all he came in contact with; it was as if a bright light had shined in their lives because of someone who truly cared for his community. Just a humble janitor, who, according to many, could make a floor shine like no one else, had more people asking to stand up to tell their stories of him than I could even count.

I suspect many of us forget the simple rules of life from time to time; perhaps we complain about a job or career which may not seem the most glamorous or important, or maybe we spend time feeling irritable that we aren't in a "better place". I guess the grass may often appear greener in the next pasture, but if we choose to diligently water, cultivate and tend to our own field, over time it will very likely become an outstanding piece of land. Maybe sometimes we forget to focus on blooming right where we are planted.

community advocate • marketing consultant • voice for small business
classic car lover • salt life • believer that "together we accomplish more"