Last weekend, we visited another Christmas tree farm with Jennifer, our friend from Singapore. Somehow, I never get bored looking at Christmas trees. Do you know why I admire them so much? Because they are dress in my favorite color, evergreen!
In the winter, the greens are the first to go! By now, all the trees are naked - with only their skeletal branches to show. But now is the time for pine trees to stand out. Someone wrote, "if it weren't for the evergreens, my eyes would see nothing but ... soils and bricks".
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Although they are rarely noticed at other times, you can be sure that the evergreens have always been there! Truly, the evergreens possess a virtue which is worthy of my admiration .... Consistency!
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(1) Unloading the tree
(2) Measuring the height of the tree
(3) Preparing the tree base
(4) Bundling the tree
What will guard you against foolish extremes? What characterizes those who are habitually successful in sports or sales or some skill? What single quality in a business builds respect deeper than any other? What brings security in relationships? What makes us choose a particular brand name over all others? What draws you to the same restaurant time and again? What do you want most from your paperboy … or milkman … or postman?
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The questions are different, but each answer is the same.
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The questions are different, but each answer is the same.
CONSISTENCY… Steadiness. You can count on it. It’ll be there tomorrow just like it was yesterday… free from silly moods, sudden changes, or fickle fads. Early in the day or late at night, consistency stands firm… When the majority is tired and irritable, consistency is stable and resilient… reliable, faithful, … trustworthy… solid.
CONSISTENCY … A living model of patience, determination, and strength – regardless of shifty, rootless times… It knows little ups and downs, highs or lows, blue Monday or holiday hangovers. It hates tardiness and absenteeism. It thrives on sacrifice and unselfishness. It’s an obvious mark of maturity. It’s hanging in there day in and day out in spite of everything that could get you sidetracked.
CONSISTENCY … A living model of patience, determination, and strength – regardless of shifty, rootless times… It knows little ups and downs, highs or lows, blue Monday or holiday hangovers. It hates tardiness and absenteeism. It thrives on sacrifice and unselfishness. It’s an obvious mark of maturity. It’s hanging in there day in and day out in spite of everything that could get you sidetracked.
It’s the stuff most mothers are made of when their little ones get sick … and missionaries who lose themselves in their labor even though it yields limited fruit. It reveals itself in faithful employees who show up on time, roll up their sleeves, and commit themselves more to doing the job than watching the clock… diligence, … dependability, … discipline.
Source: C.R. Swindoll (1983) Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, pp.19-20.
