Jonathots Daily Blog
(2094)
Pictured is the toilet that greeted me as I arrived in my motel room this past week. It had a bolt missing, of which I was extremely sympathetic, since I, too, have a screw or two loose.
I called the front desk and requested some attention to adjustments on my throne. In about fifteen minutes, the maintenance man arrived at my door. His name was Booger (I’m sure not the given name by his mother following the exertion of birth pangs).
I noticed that this gentleman, who had come to take care of my bathroom situation, was not very happy. To confirm that fact, in less than fifteen seconds, he began to explain why the management at this motel treated him poorly, cut corners and therefore was doomed to a godless hell.
It made me think of an old saying from the Good Book: “Study to show yourself approved … a workman that does not need to be ashamed…”
Even with all of Booger’s objections to other people’s frailties, he was unable, during his visit, to repair my toilet. It does not mean he didn’t spend time attempting to accomplish the task, but most of his visitation was encompassed by complaint.
It made me consider a simple question. When do we become workmen who are shameful?
- If we find that we’re complaining more than we’re praising.
- If we discover that somebody has stolen our “glad”
- If we’re overwhelmed by a feeling of being trapped.
Each of these situations are unpleasant enough by themselves, but the action of generating them also damns us to unfulfilled emotion, vacant spirituality, zero mental progress and an awareness of every physical ache and pain.
I really try to like everybody I meet, but in short moments I found myself despising Booger, wishing he would leave and find a bitching post elsewhere. I felt bad about being so uncaring, but then I realized that none of us want to be surrounded by feelings of inadequacy and sensations of dissatisfaction. We get tempted to join into the pity party, becoming part of the problem instead of a pathway to solution.
What does make a good workman? What will cause me, at the end of the day, to feel fulfilled instead of shamed?
1. I’m always glad to be here.
This does not mean that “here” is always pleasant–it just means that not being “here” means that I’ve ceased to exist.
2. I’m always “here instead of far away.
The key to life is finding joy in where you are instead of believing you have to travel somewhere to retrieve it.
3. I’m always staying away from what steals my “glad.”
Yes, life is filled with suckers and drainers–more than willing to enter your space and deprive you of any potential for glee or jubilation. To survive, you must find a way to avoid these people and situations as much as possible.
Booger and I probably will never be friends. I am not so naive as to believe that my mere presence, personality or input would be salvation to his soul. I am not a savior, I am a fellow-traveler. If you’re in the mood to travel, I can be great fun.
If you need a savior … I can offer a recommendation.
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