The First Attempt

So, it's my first 'real' attempt (outside of things like Xanga and Facebook) to join the world of bloggers everywhere. I have no idea how often I'll manage to do this -- a thought a day, perhaps? Maybe 3x per week? I'd love to use this as a way to jumpstart my ideas for novels, stories, etc., as well as (perhaps egoistically) share my perspective on life.

I'm at the end of 4 days off of work, headed back tomorrow. And I'm thinking about the idea of excellence. How can I, in whatever situation I happen to be in, be the best person I can be? The most reliable, knowledgeable, passionate, consistent, person I'm capable of being? Someone I look up to challenged me on this today. Initially my mind rebelled at this idea, because I have learned to believe that as a Christian I should not put myself forward. But as I processed it I realized that this is how I glorify God in a workplace where it is beyond verboten to discuss religion. Heck, this is how I glorify God no matter where I am. And it's also how I grow, and prepare myself for whatever next opportunity God has for me.

How effectively do we as Christians do this? Particularly in a culture where work is our identity, siestas or breaks are generally unheard of, and most people live fairly unbalanced lives. On the other hand, despite the time and priority we place on work, how effective and reliable are we, generally? I read a quote from a well-known author and talk-show host (whose name I of course can't remember now) that said most Americans only work about 50-60% of their actual day. The rest is spent on the phone, checking personal email, balancing their checkbooks, paying bills, talking to coworkers, taking a few minutes extra at a lunch break, etc.

Thoughts, anyone?