Outcome Vs. Effort

You can’t always control the outcome, but you can always control the effort.

I have notes placed around my shop that say “Don’t Be Lazy”. Much of what I make has a hand–work component to the process after the CNC machining and metal work is finished. If something is not up to standard, I base my decision to remake the part on one simple question: “If I were spending my money for this item, would I be happy?” It is pretty simple after that. Things you will never see end up in the trash and I sleep well that night knowing I did my best for my customers.

We often have very little to say about what happens daily. We don’t control those around us, but we can control how we react. We can decide in advance that, today, we will hold the door for someone else, let another car merge in traffic, be patient when we need in, say something nice to our server, the postman, the package delivery driver, or the convenience store clerk. If we are blessed with a loving spouse, we can find ways to let them know how much we appreciate them.

We can be grateful on purpose that God woke us up today out of a comfortable bed in a nice home free from war, bombs, and missiles. We can recognize that, in the midst of seeming chaos, we are still a blessed people with great hope for the future. We can think outside of our–four–and–no–more circles and put forth a little bit of effort to make life better for someone else crossing our path today. Recognize your greater purpose, it isn’t all about just you. Try it and you will see the difference a tiny bit of effort toward civility can make.

Remember that wherever you go, there you are. Here is my inspiration for this message.

(Jer 29:11 [MSG]) I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Luke 6:35 [MSG]) "I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God–created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst.

(John 13:34:35 [NASB]) “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”