I like to alliterate messages.
So far in our mini-series on the "Joy of the Day" we have looked at three components in starting the day right: poetry, prayer and praise.My last thought is to do with 'P' for planning.
Sometime during the early days of IBM Thomas Watson, the founder of the company, granted an interview with a persistent caller.
When the man was shown into his office Watson said:
"I'm a busy man. You have ten minutes to make your pitch."
"Excellent," came back the reply "I think I can show you how you can better manage your precious time."
With that he told Watson to list six things that he intended to do in the remainder of his day. Watson scribbled them out on the back of an envelope. "Now," said his guest "number them in order of their importance. Then do the same tomorrow."
Before he left the office he said to Watson: "Pay me what you think the tip is worth if it helps you."
A week later the man received a $10,000:00 check in the mail.
Watson followed that simple habit for the rest of his working life
Jubilate
( and by the way make your checks out to my full name:
IAN LANGTON WILSON)
I think the most powerful factor in having a good day is to begin it in THANKSGIVING.
So it's raining, you are facing a difficult boss at work, you have a streaming cold, the drain is plugged in the kitchen and the list goes on.
But somewhere on your dial is the personal waveband of praise and thanksgiving.
Turn your dial, find it, then turn up your volume and thank the Lord for SOMETHING, however small.
One Friday morning my Volkswagen car blew its engine in Lake St Charles in Louisiana. I was due to preach in Rochester, New York, the following day.
I had one of two options: to burst into tears or burst into song. I put my Kleenex away and chose the hymn "How Great Thou Art".
On the second verse a cop pulled up, sized up my problem and called a tow truck. When the tow truck came the driver offered to give me $80:00 for my wreck and run me to the Car Hire. I sold him the car,loaded up the rental and headed North. I drove overnight, occasionally giving out an odd verse from a hymn while I drank coffees to stay awake. I arrived at the church in Rochester at 6:59 PM and stood up to preach 30 minutes later having joined the congregation in singing "How Great Thou Art".
I didn't get there by a magic carpet but I DID get there and praise was part of the propulsion.
Enjoy your day.
Ian
