Poop-Scooper

20262026 Dr. Mike 2026 Attitude, Bond-Servant, Servant, Servant-heart

“Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Luke 17:7-10

“No job is too big; no job is too small.” These are the words reinforced in me from an early mentor.

When I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Business, I also carried an inflated ego with it. I was ready to make my mark on the world. I now hate to admit it, but the two were the foundation of my blind superiority glasses. At the time, I didn’t realize how much foul odor I left behind wherever I went.

My first week on the job there was a rush order that required a ton of xerox copies to be made. Back then, the print store would need several days to make it happen. So someone had to print the material in-house. My boss, the CEO and owner drafted me. So there I was mumbling to myself what a waste of resources to have someone of my status to sit at the copier machine. This job didn’t need someone with a college degree. Any one of the other admins could have done it quicker. I even thought of handing in my resignation. Yes, self-importance and ego truly blind a person.

Later that day after lunch, I was returning back to the copier to complete my work. But the sight I witness made me stop in my tracks. The CEO was standing at the copier making copies! When I approached him, he smiled and politely said he needed a few more minutes to complete his work. I was drawn back. And then had to ask him why he didn’t have his secretary do the work. His reply changed my demeanor from that day forward. His secretary was busy working on an important assignment for him. He was in-between appointments. The job had to be done. No one else was around. So knowing that no job is too big or too small, he took it upon himself to complete the task. He smiled and returned to his office with a pound of paper in his arms.

My attitude changed. If the owner and CEO could make copies, so could I.

That moment changed my viewpoint of work. If something needed to be done, no job is either too big or small for me to handle.

This morning, Buddy, our mid-size fourteen-year-old poodle, stopped by my chair as I typed. Usually it means one of two things. Either he is hungry or he needs to relieve himself. If he changes his position from sitting to standing, he is hungry. If he needs to relieve himself, he will stay seated with his head up high and his eyes focused into your eyes. I think he is mentally trying to communicate and thinks I can read his mind. But I’ve learned if I don’t grab the lease and get him outside within the next three minutes, the cleanup is more painful.

So, I stop the important work that I am doing, grab and put his lease on and outside we go. We then trot across the street to a common area and he relieves himself. Now since we live in a home-owners association, they are sticklers of dog owners cleaning up after their pet. Yes this former C-Suite executive, at one time would delegate all the routine work to his associates. But now he puts on his servant hat, grabs a poop bag, and cheerfully picks up Buddy’s droppings. Yes, my new role is the official poop-scooper of Buddy. A position I hold in honor.

In my official capacity, I am responsible to uphold the H.O.A. mandates. To also care for my beloved pet, and keep the community free for other members to enjoy the grounds they walk in. The pay is zero. But the act is a reminder that we are all servants of the living God. Accountable to HIM in how we manage our daily affairs.

Yes, no job is too big; and no job is too small; especially when you serve heaven and earth’s King. After completing an assignment, we have only done what was our duty to do.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

^{Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler}

Click Here for more Writings Neatly Bound in Book and Audio Format Available at Your Favorite Bookstore.

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Add Value

20262026 Dr. Mike 2026 Kingdom of God, values, Bless Others, Add value

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth… “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:3-5, 7-8.

What are you bringing to the party?

Your charming, fun-loving personality? Your oversized wallet? Your favorite deep-dish pizza? Your over-the-top wisdom?

What about us Christ-Followers?

Those of us who are poor in spirit. Who are meek and mourn. Who are pure in heart and seek peace.

Jesus gave us the Kingdom of God manifesto recorded in Matthew chapters 5 to 8. For those who seek to walk under the auspices of God’s Kingdom, these are our marching orders. Each point emphasizes the way to live under a grace-paced life. For most people initially introduced to the Sermon on the Mount, they would say impossible. Life isn’t that way.

Yet Jesus lived it. Practiced the life with His disciples. Who likewise over time practiced and taught the same Way to others.

Living life under the umbrella of God’s Kingdom is counter intuitive. It is the ideal that humanity desires but lack the courage to practice. For unless one surrenders their kingdom to the Lord of Lords, they are correct. But when one captures the vision of Jesus’ gospel message, everything changes. Repentance leads one to accept Jesus as the Lord of their kingdom. One then surrenders their kingdom under the domain of God’s Kingdom. The relief allows them to begin participating within the Triune God’s inner circle of life.

The value they now bring to the party is not themselves. But the message, love, and hope of God’s way and purpose of life. The Spirit within them doesn’t allow them to hide under a deceptive façade. Instead they have been given the privilege of sharing God’s truth and Spirit with others. Even if they kept their tongue tied, their walk and mannerism would shout the love and joy they carry with them.

The value they add in the lives of others is giving them a taste of Kingdom living. Others see and desire to share in the same bountifulness. You become a walking billboard of the Kingdom of God on earth today.

They get to witness what a real Christ-Follower brings to every party. The Spirit of love, joy, and peace. The hope of glory. A Way of life that enriches self and others. A life with purpose and meaning. The opportunity to meet someone who knows Jesus, HIS Father, and the Holy Spirit. Plus God’s transformational power to enrich one’s soul on earth now.

God has a plan for humanity. You are included. So why not accept HIS finished work and take part in the preparation of the largest party this world will ever see.

It all probably began because someone added value in your life at the last party…

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

^{Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler}

Click Here for more Writings Neatly Bound in Book and Audio Format Available at Your Favorite Bookstore.

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Recharge

20262026 Dr. Mike 2026 Filled with the Spirit, prayer, Recharge, rest, Spirit Filled

” And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he (Jesus) departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35

My daughter and her husband recently purchased a used electric vehicle. She loves it. It allows them to travel around the neighborhood without filling up at the gas station. From their garage, they can plug the unit in each evening and the car recharges its battery overnight. The savings on the gas bill and the convenience of driving a high-tech car has its value in their eyes. Yet, to operate, it needs to be recharged on a regular basis.

My smart phone is a fantastic piece of technology. Today’s user takes for granted the power of the device. A tiny box that serves as a phone, camera, and computer. It allows one to speak with anyone in the world. It takes pictures better than any Polaroid camera I grew up with. And immediate connection into the internet brings the entire world into your hands. Yet it also needs to be recharged on a regular basis.

The male lion is a mighty strong animal. Many consider it the king of the jungle. Yet it rests or sleeps some 20 hours per day. All that strength requires time to recharge its muscles and body to operate on a regular basis.

The same is true for us humans.

We may not need 20 hours of rest each day, but we do need our sleep. Try going one or two days with only a few hours of sleep and see how you function. Most of us by the third day would be a danger to those around us. If driving a car, we would be arrested for “drunk driving.” Our decision-making would be chaotic. Our response time would be awkward and untimely. We would not be in a good condition.

When patients enter the hospital for a length of time, the danger of muscle atrophy sets in. Many a patient upon leaving the hospital has to enter physical therapy so they may learn to walk again. Lying in bed all day causes the muscles to weaken. They need to recharge the muscles in their legs.

There are other mental, social, and economic examples of the need to replenish one’s strength to face life. Yet, the most important one is the relationship with our heavenly Father. If we don’t have a regular routine to keep connected and recharge our spiritual focus, look out. Life will unexpectedly break us down.

Jesus understood this better than anyone. HIS habit was to rise early in the morning and spend quiet time in prayer with his Papa God. He knew where his strength and life came from. He practiced what he preached. He walked the talk.

We all need to recharge. Thinking we can operate at a half-tank only steals from others by us not giving our best in service to them. Love cares. Love cares for others and for the self. But most importantly, love wants to stay connected with the One who loves us the most. For the more we hang out and recharge with the Love Maker, the more love, joy and wisdom we have to share with others.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

^{Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler}

Click Here for more Writings Neatly Bound in Book Format Available at Your Favorite Bookstore.

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)