Five Facts of Life ~ Gary Best
The following list was regularly given by a keynote speaker in America called Joe Takash when he was advising business companies on how to boost the morale of their workforce:
Enthusiasm is not a random mood; it’s a daily choice
Taking time to listen to others is a rare and special talent
Self-belief is a simple matter of focusing on what you DO have
A sincere compliment is the least expensive and most valuable gift a person can offer
Wisdom is always realising that the only time you can ever live is NOW.
I think his list has a far wider application, not least because it seems to me all five ‘facts’ have their roots in what the Bible advises:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart (Colossians 3:23)
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24)
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own (Matt. 6:34). This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24)
Gary Best, Lay Reader