“I work very hard, and I play very hard.  I’m grateful for life.  And I live it – I believe life loves the lover of it.  I live it.”  – Maya Angelou

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”  – Proverbs 10:4

M46 Challenge:  Talk to your children about the importance and benefits of a good work ethic.  Explore how they can give their best at home, school, and in sports.

“Work ethic” is commonly used to refer to one’s commitment to working hard and, perhaps, equates the degree to which one works with the expected rewards their work entitles them to.  And yet, perhaps the “work ethic” God wants for us does not distill to just how many hours we can put in at the office, but more broadly applies to His desire for us to be at our very best in all facets and roles in life.  Reconsider what “work ethic” means, if it applies to being the best not only in our profession, but also as a father, neighbor, team member, etc.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me to teach my daughter the value of working hard.  Help me to model a work ethic that includes time to spend in prayer, and quality time with my family.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Thoughts:  Don’t get too wrapped up in trying to achieve a state of balance.  If you do, you’ll be disappointed with your results more often than not.  A wise executive taught me that “balance” is unrealistic.  She would say, “Forget about balance – it doesn’t happen.  Just be here when you need to be here and be with your family or in the community when you need to be there – but, wherever you are, be present there and attend to those around you.  The sooner you stop focusing on finding ‘balance’ and focus on what you need to prioritize, you’ll feel more balanced.”  In other words, manage your priorities…and make it count.

Of note…today is Veterans Day and it would be inappropriate to let it pass without giving thanks for all of those who have served and sacrificed so that we may be free.  If you are a veteran, I am grateful for you and humbled by your selflessness.  Thank you.

And, tomorrow we come to the midpoint of our 30-day walk through M46 Project.  We’ll spend a bit of time in Proverbs 3, talking about doing the right thing and avoiding bad situations.  See you then…

Keep it Lit,

T.