Not Just a Smile

I was talking to my friend on the phone this morning. (Happy birthday, again, Heather). She told me a story about how a smile made a difference to someone. Such a seemingly simple act of kindness can make a huge difference in some one's day. I've included a story in my book, Walking in Faith, about a time when a smile made a difference in my day. Here is a quick peek:

"It's like that in the workplace; we often have no idea what the next person is going through outside of work. I was feeling the double whammy more than she could have known. I didn't rest my head on her shoulders that morning on the steps, but I appreciate that I could have. However, I did catch up withe her later and let her know I was hurting and how much I appreciated her welcoming smile."

Smile at someone at work tomorrow, for no reason. Make a difference. You see, it's not just a smile -- it is a small act of kindness that has the potential to change another person's whole day (who in turn might choose to smile at the next person; therefore potential to change the world).
God bless,
Shari

Stay or Go?

I hesitate to give advise, I don't want to give the impression that I have all the answers, because I don't. When I teach, I like to get a good discussion going. This is where we collectively can come up with great answers.

Based on my experience...

Lots of questions surround faith in the workplace. I'd say the number one question goes something like this: I'm being challenged and struggling at work. Does that mean I'm in the right place and God is using me to change my workplace or using my workplace to change me? I'm thinking the struggle means it's time for me to move on. What should I do?

Pray. Ask a friend to pray for you. Prayer is always the best defense. Pray for wisdom. And then:

Ask yourself two questions (your answers to these questions will guide you):

1. Am I positively impacting my work environment?

2. Have I begun to let my work environment negatively impact me?

If you are positively impacting your environment, please prayerfully consider you are exactly where God wants you to be!

If you've been worn down to the point your work environment is negatively impacting you -- if your behavior, thought, and actions have become negative, it may be time to let God move you on.

If it's time to let God move you to a new place, it's time for the One Open Door Prayer. I like to ask God to open only one door -- His door -- and to close all others.