Humility at the Derby

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May 6th 2013

Humility at the Derby

ShabbachMC, along with Pastor Michael Goins and Patrick Goins, spent our time working the Kentucky Derby this week.  We would start our mornings at 5:00AM bright and early so that we could arrive at Churchill Downs by 5:30AM.  It was after the first morning that I realized that this week was going to be a character building week for me.  Most of my day consisted of carrying food and drinks up and down "The Beast" for other workers and clients.  Now before I go any further I should probably describe what "The Beast" is.  The Beast was a huge structure with six flights of stairs on it.  In the structure were different rooms where clients could eat and hang out on different floors.  While this was no easy task on its on, the heat and… sometimes uncooperative clients made for a long 12 to 16 hour day of work. 

By the third morning of RISE AND SHINE my bad attitude had already been set.  While on break that day however another group, also working the derby, helped change my outlook on the situation.  I noticed that even though they were just as tired and sore as I was none of them were complaining.   Their leader then explained that by starting a day negative it can make the rest of our day just as negative.  After being around this group for a day I noticed myself trying to complain less and focus my attention on the good.  Their positive outlook and willingness to serve was encouraging and contagious.

One of the last days of the Derby we had to be at work before sunrise.  I found myself at the top of The Beast looking down on the track while the sun came up.  Down on the track a few of the trainers had their horses out warming up for the days events.  While looking out at them I realized why God makes beautiful moments like the one I was experiencing.  I believe that God gives us moments like that so that we have to stop the hustle of our day and just admire His work.  Starting out my day with that picture made me want to make the rest of my day positive. How much better would our days be if we just took time in the morning to notice God?  Even though it wasn't always easy, for the rest of our duration I did my best to focus on how I could make the clients time more enjoyable than my own.  Being at the Kentucky Derby wasn't about what I could get as much as it was about clients seeing how real Children of God work and serve.  What beauty is God trying to paint for you this week?  Maybe starting your day with Him will give you just the right start to bring clarity into the rest of your day. Don't let The Beast distract you from the real picture! 

Have a blessed week,

Keyona

The Beast

The Real Picture