ENCOURAGEMENT BY EXAMPLE

I must admit that I often rely on green lights, a little speeding and a stroke of good luck to arrive on time. Punctuality is a character quality that I continually struggle with. In spite of my best intentions, I am never early, sometimes on time and often just a few minutes late. Perhaps my problem is that I don’t plan time for unexpected delays, or that I frequently find myself trying to squeeze in just one more task. But on a deeper level, I realize that most of my punctuality problems exist because I choose to value my agenda over that of others.

A co-worker taught me that punctuality is a gift to others. Bob is the kind of person who will arrive fifteen minutes early for an early morning meeting so he can prepare the coffee and check the temperature of the room before the others arrive. Bob would never cause anybody to waste their valuable time waiting on him. He is dependable and consistent, always meeting his deadlines so as never to hold up a team member’s work.

Through his incredible punctuality, Bob shows his consideration of others. I would like to be more like Bob.

This material is published by the Faith Committee of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Reproduction and Adaptation is encouraged.