My first visual memories of Joe Dimaggio were not on a baseball field,
but in a commercial. He was not swinging a bat, but "pitching" the
Mr.Coffee brand coffee-maker. To this young viewer, he was simply a
distinguished looking older gentleman who was trying to get people to
buy the product he endorsed. As I grew older, of course, I learned about
the "Yankee Clipper" and his legendary abilities and characteristics. I
came to have great respect for his athletic ability and his humble
demeanor.
So it was that I, along with others, felt quite a bit of sadness the day
I heard the news of the death of "Joltin' Joe." Through the following
days I read and heard much of his "class" and his "sweet swing." But
probably the most unforgettable thing I heard was the phrase he uttered
when he was asked if he ever considered giving less than his best on the
field. "Never," he said, "Somebody might be out there, watching me for
the first time." (The Paducah Sun, Tuesday, March 9, 1999).
Dimaggio's remark ought cause us all to stop and think about how we live
our lives. Indeed, each day we influence people who are looking to us
for an impression. Those who love us and appreciate us are looking to us
for conformation of their trust and reciprocation of their love.
Source:
The Encourager, Calvert City Church of Christ, edited. [Exact date unknown]
By Alan Smith
A family was rushing to get to the movies. The parents told the
children they had to leave "right now" at which point their teenage
daughter headed for the bathroom to apply makeup. Her father yelled for
her to get in the car immediately, and headed to the garage grumbling.
On the way to the theater, the father glanced in the rearview mirror
and saw his daughter applying lipstick and blush, which produced the
predictable lecture. "Look at your mom," he said. "She didn't put on
any makeup just to go sit in a dark movie theater."
The daughter's response was, "Yeah, but Mom doesn't need makeup."
The mother's heart was swelling with the compliment, and she turned
back to thank this sweet, wonderful daughter just as she continued,
"Nobody looks at her."
I'm sure there have been times when your choice of clothing or the
way you got yourself ready in the morning was determined by whether
anybody would see you or not. If you're just going to be around the
house where no one can see you, you may dress one way. If you're
planning to be out in public, you'll likely dress another way.
Sometimes, though, we make the mistake of determining our actions in
the same way. If we think someone is watching, we're careful to do
what's right. But if we think no one is paying attention, we tend not
to be quite as careful. We think, "Nobody's looking at me anyway!"
The truth is, though, you constantly being watched (and not just by
God!). If you have children, you can be sure they see and hear
everything you say and do! When you're in line at the grocery store,
others are watching. When you work in your office, others are
watching. When you go out to eat at a restaurant, others are watching.
When you go to the Post Office, others are watching.
That shouldn't make us nervous or bothered. Rather, it reminds us
that everywhere we go, we have an opportunity to live in a way that
honors and glorifies God! Always be conscious of that opportunity.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).
Somebody's watching!
Have a great day!
- Alan Smith, author of the popular "Thought For Today," and minister
for the Fayetteville Church of Christ in Fayetteville, NC, may be
contacted at alansmith.servant@gmail.comAlan Smith, Thought For The Day
(Sept. 12, 2013)
