Bruce Renfroe, an elevator operator in New York City, recognized the same somber faces riding his elevator each day. The passengers rarely spoke or acknowledged one another. Their demeanor was the same, whether riding up to their offices or coming down to go home.
For many, working as an elevator operator would feel like a boring, dead-end occupation. But Mr. Renfroe resisted becoming stone-faced and introverted like his passengers. He was someone who thought outside the box. There must be a way he could make things better.
After thought and prayer, he developed a plan. First, he hung cheerful pictures in his elevator and took his Bible along. Then he brought small speakers and played soft music. He greeted each passenger cheerfully, getting acquainted enough to know their names and interests. He did his best to build community spirit in the eight-by-eight space. And it worked!
Riding up in the mornings and back down in the evenings, people began chatting and sharing with their small elevator family. Bruce's elevator become the favorite in the building.
IS THERE A LESSON HERE FOR ME?
What about my daily routine? Am I settling for the uninspiring and humdrum? Am I just accepting circumstance, or could I be doing something about it--not only to brighten my world but to bless and inspire others?
Constant stress and unhappiness, for any reason, has a detrimental effect on our health and longevity. Symptoms may show up in conditions such as skin rashes, ashthma, arthritis, depression, lack of energy, frequent respiratory infections, and susceptibility to seasonal illnesses.
When we complain and wear an attitude of unhappiness, we easily have a negative effect on our families, friends, and even church. But we don't have to be prisoners of our circumstances.
LEARNING FROM THE ELEVATOR OPERATOR
1. Choose happiness. Are you unhappy? Your daily routine seems boring and meaningless? Choose to do something about it. Make it a positive beginning point.
2. Think of others. Is there a way you could brighten the lives of co-workers, associates, and those around LJyou? Nothing brings joy and meaning like creating happiness for others.
3. Do something you love daily. You may or may not love your current job or routine, and you might think it's impossible to find anything positive even if you look for it. But seek a way to feed your soul daily, to inspire your creative abilities.
4. Avoid negativity. Try not to dwell on the negative aspects of your situation. Recognize that negativity is the Enemy's way to drag you into hopelessness. Choose to strive toward positive possibilities. Keep your goals firmly in mind.
5. Study and pray. Like Mr. Renfroe, take time to evaluate your situation. What changes can you make to bring inspiration? Pray for wisdom, which God promises to all who ask for it (James 1:5). Prepare to be amazed at how God may answer your prayer.
It’s true that happiness is largely a choice. Sometimes the choice involves actively pursuing happiness by making changes--to our physical environment and in our attitudes and plans.
From childhood, Ina D. Ogdon dreamed of becoming a circuit preacher. But when her father became terminally ill, she gave up her cherished goal to be his caregiver. Later, she wrote the song “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” Serving God to the best of our ability, wherever we find ourselves--even operating an elevator--can be our high calling.
Sidebar: Brighten the Corner Where You are
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are
Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.
Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are.
Refrain:
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!
Ina Ogdon (1913)
