What we say we will do

Our little guy is all into being strong, as I am sure most little ones are. He is a big seven-year-old; big boned, large hands, big build. He is looks as if he will be a big guy one day. Anyway, he likes to do push ups and pick up things to demonstrate his power, which he has plenty of for his age. Occasionally, he will want to show his "muscles". When I ask him where he bought them, he always says, "You have to earn them." He is exactly right.

Muscles, like so many other things, have to be earned. Trying to find an easier way is usually fruitless. Yes, there are some artificial ways to achieve certain things, but, there are lots of things that have to be earned. Respect comes to mind.

Today's word is a quote I came across that reminds me of the work required to acquire some of the greatest things in this life: "Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned."

Respect has to be earned. You can't buy it. You can't win it. You can't borrow it. You may have a position that people respect, such as parent, boss, leader, etc., but, the respect for the person has to be earned. You have to work hard each day to earn the respect of others. How? By doing the right things, by saying the right things, by doing what you say you'll do, by respecting others. Respect has to be earned, just as trust has to be gained.

I don't know about you but I don't trust a lot of people. It takes a long time for me to trust someone. How do they gain that trust? How do I? By being the true you. By being true to others and yourself. By showing up and doing the job each and every day. By walking in when others are walking out. Trust has to be gained by doing what you say you'll do.

I often tell folks that I want to be found faithful. Through all my faults and failures, and there are many, I want GOD to be able to see that I try to do the right things every time. Do I? No. But, I try, and I am going to keep on trying. Why? Because, like earning respect and gaining trust, our true selves are more revealed by what we do - not by what we say we will do. I guess another way to emphasis that statement is, "What we say, we Will do."

Be Blessed,
Mickey T