Look inward

I was talking with someone the other day that could not say enough about how badly life had treated him. He was aging rapidly and life was dealing with him harshly. After pressing him a little it became obvious to me that life was not the problem, he was his own problem. He had not amassed wealth, yet he mentioned to me that he did not believe in working long hours, stating that he felt forty hours was enough for any poor soul to “have ” to work and besides his wife and family wanted him around more. Jeez, does he think he is going to win the lottery?
Anyone who has read the book of Proverbs understands that the Bible makes it clear that we should work hard. We live in a society that rewards those who try harder and leave no stone unturned in their quest to achieve their best. It can be merciless to those who decide to coast.

I told this guy that many years ago I hitch-hiked into Atlanta and arrived with not one penny in my pocket. I cleaned the mortar off of used bricks with a hatchet for $15 “cash” per day for my first job. I did not know a single person in Atlanta, had no help from my family, possessed a limited education, had a police record, did not own a car, lived in a boarding house, and many other things going against me when I arrived. What I did have going for me was a raw determination to make something out of myself and a willingness to work as hard as it took to accomplish my objectives. I coupled that with an acknowledgement that God is the most important priority in life and an earnest desire to try to make Him so in my life.

I told this fellow that even though I already “have it made”, that particular day I got up at 3:00 AM and flew from Florida to Washington D. C. where I entered a meeting at 11:00 AM and with no breaks met until 10:30 PM that night arriving at my hotel at 11:00 PM. I was up at 6:00 the next morning to prepare for three meetings that day, (Hardly a forty hour work week.)

The result of nearly forty years of adhering to this philosophy to the best of my ability has left me with a wonderful family and some good friends; I’m financially secure, have many accomplishments, and am happy. I am convinced, that it is not how badly life treats you that matters. What matters is your attitude. I had plenty to feel sorry for myself about, but I did not look back, I looked to the future. We cannot do anything about the past, but we can do something about today which affects out future. If you blame life for your shortcomings, take an objective look inward. Are you doing “your” part in making the most out of your life, or are you kind of drifting along waiting for someone else to make a success out of you?

Proverbs 6:6

Go to the ant you sluggard!

Consider her ways and be

wise,

Which having no captain,

Overseer or ruler,

Provides her supplies in the

summer,

And gathers her food in the

harvest.

How long will you slumber O

sluggard?

When will you rise from your

sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to

sleep –

So shall your poverty come on

you like a prowler,

And your need like an armed

man.



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