Thingamabob
September 25, 2001
Dear Friends
Some thoughts on a new job:
During the last month I have been trying to find my bearings and determine what is expected and required, and to discover the precise nature of my work. We have had the disruption of a committee week, ministerial council and the onset of a virtual world war on the 11th. I am grateful to each of you for your kindness in helping to smooth the transition!
I vaguely recall a northern concert hall lyric which caricatures the experience of a worker in the Lancashire munitions factories during World War 2. ‘I am the man, who tells the man who pays the bills, to tell the man, who tells the men to turn the wheel, to make the thingummybob!’. The point being that we can all become so busy with meaningless routines that the endpoint may as well be an indeterminate ‘thingummybob’.
I have to remind myself that ‘we are the people whose job it is to motivate and inspire, the people who motivate and inspire, the people who motivate and inspire’ – in Jesus name – to prepare a people ready to meet a soon returning Saviour. A daunting and sacred challenge – not entirely dependent on human hands – but on God’s spirit.
‘The secret of success is to stay in love. Staying in love gives you the fire to really ignite other people, to see inside other people, to have a greater desire to get more things done than other people’…. John H Stanford in Encouraging the Heart…by Kouzes and Posner.
Among other things they propose seven means to encourage people: Set clear standards, expect the best of people, pay attention to peoples needs and message, personalise recognition of excellence, tell stories of good practice, celebrate together, set an example. They are also in the ‘good book’ – Galatians 5:22, 1 Corinthians 12:31, Exodus 33:17, Psalm 139:1-3, John 4:28-29, Luke 15:32, John 13:15.
Thank you for your service it is very much appreciated,
Yours sincerely
Victor Pilmoor
Treasurer
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness “
Galatians 5:22, (NLT)
“So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all”
1 Corinthians 12:31 (NLT)
“The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favourably on you, and I know you by name.”
Exodus 33:17 (NLT)
“O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.”
Psalm 139:1-3 (NLT)
“The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” “
John 4:28-29 (NLT)
“We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!”
Luke 15:32 (NLT)
“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”
John 13:15 (NLT)