I used to always emphasize to my techs to autograph their work with
excellence. That whoever is the next person to lift the hood after they worked
there, would be impressed about the work. This would be the only chance, their
legacy sort of speak to whoever had to work on it again. And you would be
surprised the things we found from the previous tech who worked on it. Gloves,
tools, sometimes covers not replaced or fasteners properly tightened. Sometimes
missing altogether! Yet this was what was considered acceptable by lesser
stores, but never by me. We wanted to go the extra mile, and give the customer
a reason to return. Sadly many times we would do all that, only to have a lot
attendant lose the keys, leave dirty fingerprints on the dash, or leave the
radio volume up, and not on the same station the elderly customer had it set
to. The final verdict being no matter how well or how reasonably priced the
repair was, that was their lasting impression. And based on CSI scores, which
we all got paid on, the lowest man on the totem pole could either make or break
you. And in other businesses it works as well. Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s
built his business based on a simple philosophy, “the two most important bites
of the hamburger are the first and the last.” He wanted you to want another one
of his burgers, how simple is that?
For years I told my sons “give me a reason to say yes.” Because and
everyone else is going is not a good argument. Give me a reason. And often
times they did, and learned to play the game to win. I also taught them to put
themselves in the best position to make a decision. Let it be your call, rather
than being told. Again good advice, when taken and applied. And of course,
never make a decision based on emotion, especially a high or low one. No need
to go into how I know. And in most cases, listen then respond, the old measure
twice, cut once rule. Yet too many hurry, cut once, then try to hide or bury
their mistakes. And only end up making it worse....again, no references upon
request.
Almost 50 years ago between terrorizing campsites, and finding the hardest
way to not make Tenderfoot in Boy Scouts, we camped a lot. Which is what Scouts
do. Today I rather go the Camp Marriot, or Camp Comfort Suites route, but back
in my younger and less responsible days we camped. Many times barely escaping
sleep by the time the sun came up, and eating, laughing, and farting all night.
Still sounds like fun. But one thing we were told, was to leave a clean
campsite for the next camper. Impress them about your skills, and maybe even
show courtesy, be a good neighbor. Which often meant obeying rules, and missing
Sunday church services to do it. But on particular trip, it was only BH and me,
and we went out of our way once we were done. Our spot was spotless, with one
exception. We left a courtesy pile of firewood, and drew praise from our
surprised scout masters. A simple expression of good scouting, but no merit
badge involved. But it was of merit, as it exemplifies the golden rule. Do
unto others as you would have them do to you. Important-not as they have done
to you. And over the years, I was able to apply this simple God inspired lesson
to my life both personal and professional. Autograph your work with
excellence.
Just like Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, who once was quoted after running out a
grounder to short in a meaningless game, he explained “what if this was the only
time the fans had seen him play.” He autographed his work with excellence.
Leaving a clean campground behind for others to emulate. A far cry from the
overpaid entertainment industry sports has become. I wouldn’t have minded
camping out with Joe. Or having him fix my car. Yet too many leave it for the
next guy to be their problem. Never a good thing to do. And often times
Christians are like this. They are so consumed with going out witnessing, that
they fail in their daily witness. Repeating only what we know or have heard as
truth. Hebrews 2 tells us “to pay the most careful attention to what we have
heard, so we don’t drift away.” Yet so many only have heard, or hear what they
want. I have friends who know Bible tracts inside and out, can quote the Four
Spiritual Laws, and the Roman Road. Yet when asked simple questions about their
beliefs, cannot answer. And end up arguing instead. They prefer quickie sound
byte Christianity as opposed to fulltime and in depth. It is about them, then
Jesus, and often believe anything they are told. And sadly pass it on to
others. And then get upset when told to test the spirits as 1 John 4 tells us.
And tend to fall back on the laws of Moses, which were given by angels. Rather
than the grace and mercy given directly from Jesus Christ. I don’t get it,
angels who were created by God to serve, as opposed to Jesus who came to save?
One true aspect of an apostle was they all saw Jesus. They saw, heard, and
could repeat what they learned directly form him. Not via rumor or innuendo, no
Facebook or Twitter gospel here, just one of truth. They were eyewitnesses, how
compelling is that? And the gospel is the same for both saved and unsaved-for
all to come to repentance! Yet the legalists will study to find themselves
approved, rather than trust the spirit. True we are to be students of the word,
we study to be approved, to confirm, not to be saved. Jesus does that just
fine, and without our help. Many times despite our help. He asks us to trust,
not to depend on signs and wonders, but trust him. Make it personal, know his
voice. Be a witness, and leave a clean campground for the next one.
Jesus always delivered more than promised. A good lesson for us. Spend
the time to handle the details, don’t give directions, walk them to the place
they need. Make them feel welcome, comfortable, and show hospitality. Which is
a gift. I know you have received it, now pass it on. Spend it ahead. And no
one has to know except you and God. A great Ronald Reagan quote is “it is
amazing what can be done when no one cares who gets the credit.” Works in car
repair, for Wendy’s hamburgers, for Joltin’ Joe, and for the Boy Scouts. And
most importantly it works with God. Who has given us a reason to say yes, his
name is Jesus. Who has prepared a site in heaven for us. Who loves us despite
our emotions, and forgives us when we sin, again and again. Today the way you
leave a situation may be the only Bible some will ever read. If you are
identified as a Christian, they expect you to act like one. So act like one,
make it a part of who you are in Christ. Joltin’ Joe has left and gone away,
and Jesus left us to be his ambassadors. Until he returns for us, autograph
your witness with love, compassion, and mercy. Do it for yourself, do it for
God, and do it for the unsaved who are watching. Ask yourself, would you like
to be like you? It may end under the hood, but it starts in the heart. And
what comes from your mouth tells us what is on your heart...now you were
saying?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com