Last Saturday the cleaning lady showed up for work. Her name is Olga and she is from Bulgaria. Olga is going to come every other week to clean and every eight weeks to deep clean the house. Why did I hire someone? Well, I can’t keep up with a bigger house and more demands. Anyway…
We had agreed that she would take care of the deep cleaning while I would clean my kitchen, the bathrooms, bedrooms, the usual, etc… We both worked really hard. She never took a break. This was actually the first time I hired someone to do this for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The help was wonderful…
I finished my work and asked her if she needed help but she stopped, looked at me, and said “I am here to help you!”
Her words then just made me think about how selfish I am sometimes. I don’t always help. Sometimes I am busy with just life that I don’t even pay attention to what other people are going through. Do I come across so helpful to others like she did to me? Hum, not sure. Do I care to lend a hand? Not like I should. Yes, I paid her to work, but it was her attitude of service that impressed me, her willingness to help.
There are plenty of opportunities to help. There are situations in our day that challenge us to take over the lead where someone has had enough. Do we even sense to do it? Do we care? May I be reminded to be attentive to those around me.
I hope next time an opportunity knocks on my door I can say like Olga “I am here to help you!”
Claudia,
You bring up a valid point. I’m the same why. Always busy, there is so much I need to do. I never even think to stop to help others. Especially my family. I’m going to start scheduling some time just to be of service to my family. To see what they need help with.
Thanks Claudia!
Hey Mylikia – thanks so much for the comment. How is life for you? Married?
Claudia,
I’ve been in your shoes. Pretty much the same situation. Instead of my home, it was my car; and instead of a Bulgarian woman, the man who was working on my car was from Iran.
He replied just like your cleaning lady. But my thought was different that yours. I was amazed by how proud this guy was about his work. Could he used some help? Definitely. Was he being paid? Of course. But even though, his attitude was different. He was proud of his work! Period.
Don’t get me wrong, it was the kind of pride that make people go the extra mile and do their best. The kind od pride that makes you feel good about your work, and by default, about you.
I keep thinking about that man everytime that I have to do something I don’t really want to do, and it has been very helpful in changing my mindset and turn situations around.
Cheers,
-m.
Marcelo, I so much appreciate you stopping by. You are absolutely right… It is that extra mile the one that makes the difference – the extra effort.. the unexpected. Hmmm. Great stuff to think about.
Very Deep, Thanks to shared with us!