SecondIron's Blog

Sharpening Iron to Live Second

What I learned from a man who had nothing

Walking down the street I walk down everyday I was taught a lesson by a man who had nothing. I saw him from a distance huddled up against the local CubeSmart storage building where I had seen him many times before.  Today was different, instead of continuing my normal route, I turned in his direction ensuring our paths would cross. It was a sunny day, one we had not had many of as of late.  As I approached him as he basked in the sunlight, he turned his gaze upon me.  His friendly eyes and big smile drew me in closer. I asked him how we was doing? That is all I said, he began to share with me the way he was enjoying the day and the sun upon his head.  Next to him were his tools in a bucket, a squeegee and some rags.  He made his living under the expressway, on the streets washing windows of those that passed by. He began to tell me a story of this little gecko that had come to visit.  It had snuck up to him along the wall and feasted upon three ants nearby.  He said as the gecko left, it stopped and swallowed its prey.  “At least I know he will eat good today”, he said with a grin. He asked me if I had any work that I needed done.  Unfortunately I didn’t, nor was I prepared for the question.  He said okay, I am going to head out now and earn my […]

Deciding to Follow and Became a Rhett’Neck

A night of worship has proven to be more of a blessing than every anticipated. As a music aficionado I am particular as to the concerts that I choose to attend and usually will try to get VIP, early access seats when possible as I don’t enjoy long lines and they tend to make the event more memorable. So was the case this weekend as I had procured VIP meet and greet early access tickets to see The Rhett Walker Band in concert.  I had tickets for both myself and my wife and we had planned to attend.  Apparently there were some different decisions being made as my bride fell ill and was unable to attend.  Out of the kindness of her heart and against the resistance of mine she convinced me to attend the show on my own. “I won’t be caged to the status quo. I’m not afraid to stand and say what people won’t.” -Rhett Walker Click To Tweet I am one of those married men that do not have many other male friends and I do not usually go anywhere social without my wife in tow, I mean by my side. However this evening I decided to go anyway, and figured I would just give away her ticket to someone and bless them in kind.  After calling everyone I thought might enjoy a  night out I ended up going to the show by myself with two tickets in hand. The evening started out as any normal show, I arrived at the […]

Faith at Work in Progress

  Is it a challenge to be a Christian in the workplace? Many people hide their faith and beliefs at work as they are terrified of being ostracized, picked on or possibly even fired.  Why should we be ashamed of the one thing that gets many of us through the day? Now I am not saying that we need to be Bible beating witnesses that preach to our co-workers and have a crucifix on our desk.  We all need to be sensitive to the religion and beliefs of others that may differ than ours.  I am sure it would probably bother you if someone adorned their desk with fish, peace signs and Stars of David as well. However, our actions can be a reflection of our faith even if our cross is hidden beneath the collar of our shirt. Personally, I have found if you treat others with humble generosity, and are polite and polite, faith will shine through.  Whether it is through simple gestures that many associate with being chivalrous such as opening doors for others, waiting for others to enter or exit a room or elevator.  Maybe you quietly bow your head and bless your food before you eat in the cafeteria, a potluck even when you eat alone at your desk. You know what you believe and you can be the mirror that shines and brightens someone else’s day without saying a word.  Do you say ‘Bless you’ if a co-worker sneezes?  What if they are an atheist do you still bless them?  Of […]