Lessons from a Laborer

I had an old Ford Explorer that my kids drove. It needed work and I didn’t want to fix it, but I didn’t want to go through the hassle of selling it, either. I decided to trade it to a young man named Arthur in exchange for work around my house – sealing cracks in my asphalt, digging holes for a new fence, laying down rock, that sort of stuff.

Arthur was thrilled for the opportunity. He couldn’t afford much in the way of cars, and even with the work that needed to be done to the Explorer, it would still be the nicest car he had ever owned. As he worked around the house he checked in with me constantly, asking the question, “Does this look alright? I want you to be happy.”

Arthur worked around my house for a few days. I changed the fence plan a couple of times – no problem. I didn’t like the way he was building some steps on the side of the house – he quickly and graciously changed it. He dug post holes with the passion of a fly-fisherman in an Idaho stream.

As I watched Arthur busting his back for several days I asked myself three questions:
1) Am I as grateful as Arthur for the opportunities that are given me?
2) Do I pour my heart, soul, and strength into what I do?
3) Do I have a strong desire to please the people I work for?

It seems to me there is a lot to be learned from the Arthur’s of the world. And I’m thinking I might need those lessons as much as anyone.