Elbow Grease

Over Labor Day weekend, Larry and I decided to act on the short home-project list that had been assembling over the summer months.  We visited a local large store where we knew we could get the supplies we needed.  Once we had the tools, we knew that all we required was our own elbow grease and the tasks would be done quickly.  Such large stores often bewilder us because there are so many items and so much space in which to place them.  Knowing that it would take us forever to find what we needed, we approached a group of three gentlemen who worked at the store. One responded right away to our question and not only told us where to find all of what we needed, he personally guided us to each location throughout the store, expertly weighing the pros and cons of each product to help us match the most cost-effective solution to our obvious lack of experience and skill.  We monopolized his time, bombarding him with questions; yet, he didn't act hurried or impatient.  Instead, he kindly explained things to us in terms we could understand, making suggestions not only about products and implements, but also how to best use them.  When I asked him how he got to be such an expert about so many home projects, he explained that he used to be a handyman.  He was humble in accepting thanks and compliments from us.  He simply replied that he likes helping people.  As I reflected about Labor Day and what it means to have the blessing of work, I thought with gratitude about this man who was the epitome of customer service.  Through his labors that Labor Day weekend, he was graciously being a blessing to others.