I want to recommend the following link that my pig-farmer found.  I have it set up to be delivered to my personal/home email daily.  It’s often a much-needed boost; so I want to share:

http://purposedriven.com/blogs/dailyhope/index.html?contentid=11886

This particular devotional is Five Characteristics You Need to Excel at Work.  Regardless of where you work, I felt these characteristics are valuable … and probably most importantly remembered and utilized at home with our families … the often taken-for-granted.  (Or is it just me that does that??)

The five underlined characteristics are Rick Warren’s.  The comments are mine.

1. Enthusiasm – I’m guilty of getting in a rut.  And I’m probably most guilty of arriving home with a sigh, a plop of my purse, bags and mail, and not enthusiastically greeting my family … those I love most in this world.  Now what is wrong with this picture?!  However, I do often whistle while cooking supper.  🙂  I will work on making my entrance more enthusiastic, though.  Maybe I’ll be a little like Tigger and less like Eeyore!  I’ll let you know how that goes….
2. Sharpen skills – I try … I read encouraging material, love to hear positive, motivational speakers.  Still, there is room for improvement.  I marvel when I hear people say they start their day with a devotional, positive reading or exercise.  I just love to stay snuggled in bed and what rolls me out is the promise of coffee, not the promise of bettering my mind or body.  Throwing back the covers 5 minutes earlier would allow me to sip that coffee while sharpening my mind instead of scalding my tongue while gulping on the run….
3. Keep your word – Hmmm.  At first glance, I thought, “Of course I do!”  But, maybe I’m not so good as I think.  How many times have I told my family, “Sure, I will take care of ________ … someday.”  And when the heck is someday??
4. Maintain a positive attitude – It’s a choice.  Some days it is so easy it doesn’t even seem like a choice.  Some days it requires effort.  A lot of effort.
5. Do more than expected – Oh.  Well.  Ow.  You mean I should go over and above?  But, people don’t appreciate it!  Or do they?  This one could wear a person down.  Or build a person up??  Have you ever received a baker’s dozen?  A little more for your money?  Really good service?  A smile from someone that you know is tired, worn-down and struggling?  It feels good, doesn’t it?

Daily hope – have some!