The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:6
I was talking to my long-distance dog trainer who’s tough as nails yesterday when he gave me an assignment for today. I was to work my pup for two hours throughout the day on specific things. My response was, “TWO HOURS?” I was looking at my hubby knowing that he was going to straighten this out. I must’ve heard incorrectly. Wrong! My ears were working just fine; it was my attitude that wasn’t.
I believe that was when my trainer quickly apologized for being so demanding and told me he’d certainly give me a different lesson plan that would only take a few minutes. He informed me that it was his mistake for not realizing I was going for mediocrity. He would definitely adjust his assignment to fit the outcome I was going for. Oh boy…he knows how to get me fired up!
I very quickly revealed that I strive for excellence and my aim is not to be mediocre. I might have told him to bring it on. Good thing I also consider him a friend! He sure knows how to get me to see things his way doesn’t he?
My youngest was my assistant today and I think that he’s taken some pointers from the drill sergeant of a trainer I have. He mapped out exactly what we were going to do for the first part of our training. He had a goal in mind and a clear route to achieving it. With clipboard in hand, he informed me of what he expected. I was being judged. No cutting corners for me!
What a blast we had! Oh, the pup enjoyed it too. I didn’t even take him on a walk tonight because of all the physical and mental exercise he had throughout the day. If I keep up this pace, we’ll be ready to tackle anything! If we put in mediocrity, we’ll get mediocre results. If we put in excellence, we’ll get excellent results.
If you were given an ambitious assignment, would you tell me how you couldn’t wait to get started or would you start finding reasons you don’t have time to complete it? Is there an area of your life that you’re expecting excellence but putting in only a mediocre effort? I challenge you to be hardworking so you can enjoy your results!
