What’s this? Another blog entry on the same day for the second day in a row? Is there some sort of escape hatch through which there is greater flexibility for blogging? No. I’m just inspired and so take the opportunity to share while it’s fresh.
When I lived in Stoke-on-Trent I came across a gentleman by the name of Andy Kind. Mr. Kind’s profession is that of a comedian and thankfully for him, he is indeed a very funny man. More than that though, I found him to be a good man to know. Whilst in his company with his contemporaries I heard the phrase ‘good times’ used in exclamation when referring to a moment past, present or future that brought about great pleasure. I know it sounds obvious when you think of what the two words mean, but the context and manner of their usage was new to me. Being ever the cultural leech that I am, it soon found its way into becoming an important part of my vocabulary. (As a side note, since beginning work in Northampton, my boss has a tendency of using the phrase ‘Happy Days’, which is something else I’ve taken on board and as it also refers to the television programme of which I was an admirer it serves mutliple purposes – good times!)
The nature of my job involves working with people who are not always happy to be in the situation they find themselves. A number of the people I serve would prefer to be elsewhere and feel compelled to continue only because of some negative consequences involving their benefits. Their reluctance and general antipathy to the situation can make my job hard. It’s made easier by the occasional case when the complaint is merited and the individual in question genuinely does not deserve to be in that predicament. On others, however, it is harder when the individual in question rails against something for which they have no plan to do anything different. There is no initiative on their part to actually work their way from the situation. This can make the working environment that much more challenging.
Through this certain individuals remain in the conscious as prominent ‘characters’. Almost as if the mere mention of their names can induce chills down the spine and the request for a stiff shot of an alcoholic beverage for strength (swiftly followed by another for patience, and another for perseverance and another for tolerance, etc. etc.).
I believe in God. I believe that I am in this particular occupation because I have an opportunity to share Him and also witness Him in the lives of those around me. I believe He can make the hardest individual soft and open small windows of grace in my experiences with them. Today was such an occasion. The group scheduled for today had one or two notable ‘characters’, but God in His wisdom gave me wisdom to display flexibility to their plight and in return those who were the hardest to reach turned into the greatest pillars of peace for the duration of the day. Rather than an obstacle they were doorways and paths to an enjoyable session for all where even the person on a low with sadness due to severe personal issues enjoyed a measure of respite.
That, my friend, is a marvellous definition of good times.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 