PLEASE NOTE:  This makes the 5th time I have attempted to write this particular blog entry. For some unknown reason, most likely user error, upon pressing the "update" button, my words have disappeared into cyber space. Because of the frustration I have felt, I could spend the next several paragraphs venting but I'll spare you. Not worth my time.  Certainly not worth yours. Besides, what I really want you to read is more valuable.  I think you'll agree.

Why do you do what you do?  Is the work you do everyday hard and relenting or challenging and fun?  Do you dread your morning commute or anticipate what the day might hold?  Do you do what you do because you have to or because you get to?

Last week I was privileged to talk with many of you on the phone.  I truly count it an honor to walk through life's journey with you.  There are three brief experiences with three different individuals that I want to share with you.  These particular people see life as challenging but at the same time they find themselves having a barrel of fun. They live life in such a way that they see what they do as something they get to do.  They do not have to do it.

Meet Tom O'Brien.  Tom is a Regional Partner for JPI in Boston, Massachusetts. Tom and his wife, Trisha, have adopted four children from Central America.  The fact that these precious children have darker skin and hair and look nothing like their parents invites plenty of questions. Their youngest, Merisol, is gravely ill.  The disease with which she battles causes the family to be on edge on a daily basis. Several times lately, an ambulance has rushed Merisol to the hospital.  The concerns are always the same:  Will she make it? In spite of all the pressure Tom is under, each time I visit with him he's always upbeat.  His contagious laugh and his unprecedented faith is something I can't wrap my mind around considering the circumstances in his life.  Is life hard for Tom? Absolutely. Is it challenging for the O'Brien family? Most definitely. But does Tom find a way to make it fun for his kids? You better believe he does. Life is hard but fun for Tom and the rest of the O'Brien clan.

Carolyn Dominiak is a mother to three boys; four if you include her husband, Steve. The boys are all under the age of six: a 5-year old, 3-year old and a 16-month old. Can you say crazy busy? Everyday...24/7...she is a taxi driver, diaper changer, referee, chef and wife. Last week I had the privilege to be in their home to eat dinner. These boys were showing me their finest stunts: Watch this Dr. Ron!  Look what I can do!  As they proceeded to run, jump, fall, cry, hit each other and have fun, Carolyn was preparing a wonderful dinner, setting the table, attending to me as a guest and smiling all the while. Why? Because she loves being a mom! Does she have to do all of this? No. She gets to do it.  And she does a mighty fine job of it, too.

My final conversation was with Greg Lamb.  He is a Regional Partner with JPI at their Washington, DC office. Times are tough right now for the men and women who are seeking capitol for large financial deals.  This is exactly what he does.  Greg feels the responsibility for hundreds of people whose jobs could be jeopardized if he doesn't come up with the funds necessary to complete projects.  I encouraged him to hang in there during these hard financial times. His response to me was, "This is why I come to work everyday. It's hard, but so much fun."

Three individuals who don't have to do what they do. They get to do it. Life is hard in different ways for each one but they see these challenges as fun. If you're blessed enough to do what you're really good at, you have very little of the have to stuff.

My conclusion?  If you're working in a job because you have to, quit your job and find a new one that fuels you.  If you're living life where there is little fun, CHOOSE to make it fun.  Life is too short to have to be employed at something you don't enjoy and life is bigger than the little world you and I live in.

Today is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.

rb