Manda is a chocolate connoisseur who treads ground as a runner on Canadian soil to keep the calories down. She is passionate about women walking in their God-given beauty and freedom in Christ. Well aware that sanctification is a life long process, she walks daily by the grace of God. This 30 year old, fun-loving Jesus chick, married her husband at just 19 years old. She is the mother to two daughters, Anna (9) and Paige (6), and blogs daily about her own imperfections, personal struggles, faith, and victories at There is a Time.
We walked the streets of Jasper in May. Our little family get-away. Snow-topped mountain peeks hedge this National Park. The air a bit crisp. The sun bright. Our little beauties skipped ahead, full of vigor, as my husband and I made conversation along the way. As we strolled in step, he made mention of the street cleaner. “Look,” he motioned, “That’s wonderful. He’s doing such a good job.”
“Yes he is . . . and you noticed.”
I continually encourage this man of mine. I tell him he makes a difference everyday in the lives of his family, his co-workers, his friends. He provides well. He loves extravagant. He serves wholeheartedly. I truly think he is an incredible man.
In the mundane of everyday, I know he questions if he is doing enough. I get it. I wonder if I am enough or if I am doing enough. All. The. Time. Am I making the most of my life? Am I making a difference? Is there something else I could be doing? Should be doing?
As we looked at this man who was a stranger, my husband broke with emotion. Gratitude and contentment simultaneously showed up on his face. I could tell my words touched something deep.
If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.
~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Several weeks ago, I printed this quote and had it framed. I took it with me to my husband’s office: a little hope sealed behind glass and an ivory matte. I placed it on his desk, for him to read, to view, to be uplifted. Daily or anytime he needed that reminder, it would be there. For his eyes to read and his heart to believe.
No matter what the job. Small or Large. No matter how big or insignificant a job may seem, we can do it with excellence. We can make a difference.
We never spoke a word to the man who was picking up garbage. As he leaned down to grab scraps of paper and trash that people tossed away, he was creating a clean, blissful atmosphere within this little town. He probably goes about his days without much recognition or thanks. Not much notice.
He gave us more then a tidy sidewalk to stroll on, that day. He gave us a picture of true greatness. Distinction. A street sweeper who did his job well.
oh how i love this
so encouraging
i have been frustrated with myself this summer….had plans, big plans to do something grand with my teen daughters. the huge grand larger than life scenario didn’t come to fruition. but many simple just as beautiful things happened anyway. i pray that as i balance wishing for the grand moments where i DO something, i appreciate the simple BE moments too
fabuluous post
So glad you found encouragement in this. Cherishing the small things bring out a grateful heart!
Manda´s last [type] ..A time to Share Spaces
This post speaks on so many levels – appreciated the unseen, complimented our spouses, honoring our work. thanks for a great remember and encouragment this morning
It truly is an honour to be sharing this space. Emily’s posts speak on so many levels and right to MY heart… I’m honestly just bursting-at-the-seams happy to be here today.
Manda´s last [type] ..A time to Share Spaces
I LOVE this! I think I’ll do exactly what she did and frame it for my husband’s office. This economy has affected his job a lot and, therefore, the way he feels about himself. This is a great reminder for me to encourage him, but also a practical way to do it. Thank you, Manda and Emily!
Bonita´s last [type] ..Try Something New
I couldn’t agree with you more. It is a simple way to show appreciation for all they do and let them know the little things make a difference too (sometimes more so).
Manda´s last [type] ..A time to Share Spaces
That is a great quote. Thanks for sharing.
Erin´s last [type] ..We Heart Books!
The pleasure is mine.
Manda´s last [type] ..A time to Share Spaces
Hey Manda,
It’s lovely to meet you here — and I very much enjoyed your post. I’m going to go back and read it a second time right now. Thank you!
Michelle DeRusha @ Graceful´s last [type] ..Slicin and Dicin with Kids
Nice to meet you here as well. It’s a joy to connect with others.
Manda´s last [type] ..A time to Share Spaces
Manda! I’m so happy to see you here! You are such a wonderful light and I’m so thrilled that you got to guest post on the perfect blog for you to guest post on! So happy for you.
xo Erin
Oh Erin, your words are SO kind. I’ll hold them close!
Manda´s last [type] ..A time to Share Spaces
Love that he noticed and you made a memory of it! What a great team!
Thanks for the sharing today. It has truly blessed me!
stacey´s last [type] ..Bragging On You!
I love this! This is the way that I try to approach life. Sometimes when I was working for a difficult boss I had to remind myself that I was working for God not the person who was making my life difficult…and God wants us to do our best no matter how much we may not want to do it at that moment. Everything we do impacts someone else…thanks for the great reminder. That is one of my favorite Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes!!!
Mary Joy @Seeds of Encouragement Sewn with Grace´s last [type] ..Final Week of the Hebrews 10-24 Challenge-Celebrating the Great Encouragers in our Lives
Simple and true – two of my favorite things. Thanks, Manda.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..His
I love the Martin Luther King Jr. quote! We live in a world that teaches us the exact opposite…but I suppose Dr. King was always about going against the grain of society! What a wonderful God-perspective! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Danielle Cevallos´s last [type] ..Winners!
amen. this is beautiful. we honor our Creator and give Him and reflect His glory when we use the gifts He has given. the joy and and excellence are signposts pointing to Him!
adornedlife´s last [type] ..delicate
Manda…your words always encourage!! Thanks!
Julie´s last [type] ..A Few of My Favorite Things
LOVE it!
Mrs.B´s last [type] ..Whats Up God
beautiful post, beautiful reminder.
patty´s last [type] ..team-up thursday on friday
This is such a great reminder for me to encourage my own husband in all he does for me. xo
Jo Princess Warrior´s last [type] ..And that makes me beautiful