Last month Bradley began his first part-time job working with me in my lawn-service business. Although my son has always been a bright, obedient, and conscientious young man, like many of us after prolonged exposure to toilsome labor indolence can often result.
Capitalizing on Bradley’s interest in mowing, I would take the additional tasks of edging the paved surfaces and line-trimming areas inaccessible to the mower. This allowed me to trail behind him and catch areas he could not reach or had missed. On many occasions I found myself working ahead of him “prepping out” areas he would have even the slightest difficulty reaching.
In the beginning, prep-work for my son was extensive because his maneuverability and skill with the mower was limited. On occasion I pointed out alternative techniques that would assist him in cutting broader patches of grass thus minimizing my prep work. As a reward for sharpening-up his mowing skills, I then had time to blow off the paved surfaces myself, giving him additional rest-time between properties. Now, a month later, Bradley is well-trained and has become an invaluable help to me especially during the hectic time of summer.
One morning I noticed the clear analogy between “prep-work” and the Christian life. As a young Christian, God has the responsibility and interest in making sure that we are trained adequately to insure our own success. There are so many areas He has to “cover” because our inexperience. Just as with a new employee when he accepts responsibility and begins working together as part the team, much ground can be covered quickly. With each new task, a period of preparation is required even for the most mature of Christians. As we team up with God and begin recognizing His objectives, our training time can be significantly reduced.
Dr. Robert Schuller, of the famous crystal cathedral in California says, “Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” Each of us needs to become a team player with God and patiently accept the seemingly mundane tasks He may have in store. Lay aside finite ideas and embrace God’s faultless acumen. Trust that God will expose our imbalances and pray for a willingness to correct the disproportions.
Finally, preparation requires “mental toughness.” Without it we find ourselves languishing in mediocrity. I love this final quote by Vincent T. Lombardi,
“Mental toughness is many things. It is humility because it behooves all of us to remember that simplicity is the sign of greatness and meekness is the sign of true strength. Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial, dedication. It is fearlessness, and it is love.”
