E-mail is a strange thing. I grew up with computers and the internet. I first used it when I was ten years old, when a friend of mine had an old Prodigy account. I got my first e-mail address around my 14th birthday when I got a Suncoast FreeNet account. Alas, Suncoast FreeNet and all of the other FreeNets have gone way the way of the dodo--they offered text-based e-mail for free, but the demand for ever more visually intensive e-mails made their service obsolete (except to those people, like my parents, for whom comfort is not a concern, but price is).
A lot of us depend rather heavily on e-mail, for a variety of purposes. For example, I use e-mail as a relatively frequent form of communication, and use it to stay connected with my many friends and acquaintances who are far, far away. I use it for amusement, playing several games of Play-By-E-mail (PBEM for shot) Diplomacy. It should go without saying that I use e-mail frequently at work: I submit plans to some states (namely Georgia) using e-mail. I also receive almost all of the plans I review by e-mail and send back corrections by e-mail frequently as well (this is because I am most clear, and even personal, in the more impersonal forms of communication).
The state of Georgia, apparently, does not like me, at least by e-mail. A lot of the people I work with are in Georgia. Some of the readers of my blog are also in the state of Peaches and Pecans. However, when it comes to work e-mails, I have been unable to send or receive anything Georgian. This is obviously a problem.
What is the reason for the sudden cold shoulder from state that has been relatively nice to me in times past? The answer is unclear. At this point, my coworkers suspect that our server is on the fritz. Apparently Georgia is not the only state that our server does not like--it does not appear to like Indiana either. Apparently it likes Florida, though, as we continue to see the junk mail sent by the Ft. Lauderdale junk e-mail billionaire's club. Too bad they can't spell correctly and incorrectly assume a lot of things about me (and what I supposedly want or need in my life). Oh well. Our server does like North Carolina, which is nice, but I don't have to send any work e-mails there, so that is about as useful as sneakers for a snake.
Which is to say, it is not very useful at all.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
The Waiter Rule
Apparently, many CEO's have an interesting test for determining the fitness of people for executive positions that would be useful in organizations across the board. The test is called "The Waiter Rule" and the rule is very simple--the character of people can be determined by how one treats waiters in a restaurant. Anyone can be nice to those who have power, but it is how we treat others who we can be seen as having some control over (for example, waiters are the most common types of "servants" most people deal with in their regular lives, though it would also apply to security guards, maids, and so forth).
As someone who frequently dines alone, I personally enjoy establishing a repoire with the waiters or waitresses at restaurants. Being a somewhat habitual person, I tend to eat at the same places often, so long as their food and service is consistent and decent. I've never been a waiter myself (the thought of my clumsiness being subjected to remarkable feats of balance with plates, glasses, and trays is a less than appealing thought), but I have a lot of friends and family who have been waitresses. Mostly, it seems as if the experience is generally poor.
I know that as a customer into a restaurant for the first time, generally as a young man with a somewhat intent and serious look on the face eating alone, many restaurant staffs tend to be somewhat skeptical. There are many times where my initial service has been somewhat indifferent, but I resolved to tip well anyway merely to prove a point. I am more interested in establishing rather friendly relations with waiters at restaurants, rather than pitilessly enforcing a just standard of renumeration. After all, I figure (generally correctly) that if waiters and waitresses do not have to fear that I will stiff them on tips, they will serve me very well. This has proven to be the case most of the time, as I can engage in somewhat witty banter about my favorite dishes on the menu, and why I order the same thing so often.
A friend of mine has an interesting rule when it comes to tips himself, and it is one well worth considering. Average service merits the regular 15% tip, good service merits 25%, and really good service gets a minimum tip of $3, regardless of the price of the meal. Personally, I think such rules of thought demonstrating generosity are a major positive incentive towards servers. In general, I consider positive reinforcements to be better than merely negative punishments. That is, however, another rather large subject for another time.
The point here, though, is that the way we treat waiters reveals a lot about ourselves. The Bible is very clear on this point (and the Passover season is a good time to reflect upon on it) as well, in agreement. God shows no partiality (that is, favorable treatment merely to those who are powerful), and neither should we. We should treat everyone with respect, honor, and consideration. This respect should not come from merely an egoism that looks for personal benefit, but from a mindframe than all human beings are worthy of dignity and kindness, and that station has no importance when it comes to human decency. This is the Bible's clear doctrine, as difficult as it may be to put into practice.
It is especially important (and difficult) to maintain this sort of friendliness and goodwill when mistakes happen, as they inevitably do. For example, the salad one orders at a restaurant one is visiting for the first time may have ingredients one does not like, or cannot eat (is that mango salsa?). Or there may be accidents, or the server may make mistakes. Occasionally, servers may be inattentive, distracted, or busy (it happens to the best of us sometimes), and the glass of sweet tea or root beer may run a little dry. How we handle difficult situations reveals a lot about our character. A wry comment or soft word can make things much easier for all around, even if soft words do not come easily for some of us.
So, how do you treat waiters? How many of you have been waiters before? Or are you, like me, merely a frequent patron of restaurants and a (hopefully) patient one? I would be interested in hearing what people have to say about the food service industry. With so many jobs in service right now (customer service would also fall under this rule as well), it is sad that such jobs are so difficult because of the rude behavior of others. Hopefully that cannot be said about any of us. After all, respect for the lowest of society is one of the most important signals of fitness for the highest reaches of society, both now and hereafter.
As someone who frequently dines alone, I personally enjoy establishing a repoire with the waiters or waitresses at restaurants. Being a somewhat habitual person, I tend to eat at the same places often, so long as their food and service is consistent and decent. I've never been a waiter myself (the thought of my clumsiness being subjected to remarkable feats of balance with plates, glasses, and trays is a less than appealing thought), but I have a lot of friends and family who have been waitresses. Mostly, it seems as if the experience is generally poor.
I know that as a customer into a restaurant for the first time, generally as a young man with a somewhat intent and serious look on the face eating alone, many restaurant staffs tend to be somewhat skeptical. There are many times where my initial service has been somewhat indifferent, but I resolved to tip well anyway merely to prove a point. I am more interested in establishing rather friendly relations with waiters at restaurants, rather than pitilessly enforcing a just standard of renumeration. After all, I figure (generally correctly) that if waiters and waitresses do not have to fear that I will stiff them on tips, they will serve me very well. This has proven to be the case most of the time, as I can engage in somewhat witty banter about my favorite dishes on the menu, and why I order the same thing so often.
A friend of mine has an interesting rule when it comes to tips himself, and it is one well worth considering. Average service merits the regular 15% tip, good service merits 25%, and really good service gets a minimum tip of $3, regardless of the price of the meal. Personally, I think such rules of thought demonstrating generosity are a major positive incentive towards servers. In general, I consider positive reinforcements to be better than merely negative punishments. That is, however, another rather large subject for another time.
The point here, though, is that the way we treat waiters reveals a lot about ourselves. The Bible is very clear on this point (and the Passover season is a good time to reflect upon on it) as well, in agreement. God shows no partiality (that is, favorable treatment merely to those who are powerful), and neither should we. We should treat everyone with respect, honor, and consideration. This respect should not come from merely an egoism that looks for personal benefit, but from a mindframe than all human beings are worthy of dignity and kindness, and that station has no importance when it comes to human decency. This is the Bible's clear doctrine, as difficult as it may be to put into practice.
It is especially important (and difficult) to maintain this sort of friendliness and goodwill when mistakes happen, as they inevitably do. For example, the salad one orders at a restaurant one is visiting for the first time may have ingredients one does not like, or cannot eat (is that mango salsa?). Or there may be accidents, or the server may make mistakes. Occasionally, servers may be inattentive, distracted, or busy (it happens to the best of us sometimes), and the glass of sweet tea or root beer may run a little dry. How we handle difficult situations reveals a lot about our character. A wry comment or soft word can make things much easier for all around, even if soft words do not come easily for some of us.
So, how do you treat waiters? How many of you have been waiters before? Or are you, like me, merely a frequent patron of restaurants and a (hopefully) patient one? I would be interested in hearing what people have to say about the food service industry. With so many jobs in service right now (customer service would also fall under this rule as well), it is sad that such jobs are so difficult because of the rude behavior of others. Hopefully that cannot be said about any of us. After all, respect for the lowest of society is one of the most important signals of fitness for the highest reaches of society, both now and hereafter.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Thoughts For The Season
The Spring Holy Day season is upon us, and I have been too busy in my real life to make too many comments recently. That said, the theme of these festivals, of wholeness and oneness, is something I very much appreciate. My comments here are brief, but I hope they may be properly understood.
This past year has been a tough one, not only for myself, but for many of my friends as well, tougher than any year has been for a long while in my life at least. I suppose I could chalk it up to the so-called "quarter life crisis," though it seems to follow my "ten year rule" as well. At any rate, one must make the best of it. This entry, after all, is not merely about myself, but about others who have had a difficult year of it.
Passover, which was last night, is where we memorialize the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Most of the time, our focus is on the sins that we have committed and how the death of Jesus Christ wiped those away. There are, however, other elements that may be particularly important (as they were for me, and no doubt many others, this year). Isaiah 53 is particularly salient on these other elements--including the fact that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ allows us to be restored to a loving relationship with our God and Father, as well as being healed by the wounds suffered by Christ. These are powerful words, but though familiar, they also resonate particularly strongly for myself (and, no doubt, for others). Certainly others long for the peace the chastisement of Christ brings, as difficult as that may be to fathom. Surely he has borne our griefs.
I look forward to the reflections on this season, both with regards to the Exodus, and to the Gospels. After all, this is a season about freedom and deliverance, and these things need to be reflected upon more. After all, there is much we need to be free from, and much to be thankful for, notwithstanding the difficulties we all face. So, here are my wishes, to my loyal readers, for a happy and worthwhile Spring Festival season, as well as a thought-provoking one.
This past year has been a tough one, not only for myself, but for many of my friends as well, tougher than any year has been for a long while in my life at least. I suppose I could chalk it up to the so-called "quarter life crisis," though it seems to follow my "ten year rule" as well. At any rate, one must make the best of it. This entry, after all, is not merely about myself, but about others who have had a difficult year of it.
Passover, which was last night, is where we memorialize the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Most of the time, our focus is on the sins that we have committed and how the death of Jesus Christ wiped those away. There are, however, other elements that may be particularly important (as they were for me, and no doubt many others, this year). Isaiah 53 is particularly salient on these other elements--including the fact that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ allows us to be restored to a loving relationship with our God and Father, as well as being healed by the wounds suffered by Christ. These are powerful words, but though familiar, they also resonate particularly strongly for myself (and, no doubt, for others). Certainly others long for the peace the chastisement of Christ brings, as difficult as that may be to fathom. Surely he has borne our griefs.
I look forward to the reflections on this season, both with regards to the Exodus, and to the Gospels. After all, this is a season about freedom and deliverance, and these things need to be reflected upon more. After all, there is much we need to be free from, and much to be thankful for, notwithstanding the difficulties we all face. So, here are my wishes, to my loyal readers, for a happy and worthwhile Spring Festival season, as well as a thought-provoking one.
Friday, April 07, 2006
A Brief Commentary on Matthew 18:1-7
Matthew 18 is an excellent guide to conflict resolution, but I would like to comment, briefly, on the first seven verses of this chapter. While there is much more I could say about these verses, particularly with regard to my own childhood, I will refrain, as enough people read this entry that I do not trust. Then again, as usual, I leave the clues to what is on my mind by what I choose to emphasize and remak upon. Those who have an ear, let them hear.
Matthew 18, the first seven verses, read the following way in the (updated) version of the 1560 Geneva New Testament: "The same time the disciples came unto Jesus saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus called a llittle child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, "Verily I say unto you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receive me. But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe me, it were better for him, that a millsotone be hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe be unto the world because of offenses: for it must needs be that offences shall come, but woe be to that man by whom the offence come."
This passage begins, as could be expected, with the human desire for place and position. So it seems much begins in this world, in the struggle for place. The disciples, like any carnal human being, were very concerned about their rank and titles. At times Jesus Christ told them the benefits of their loyal service (ruling over the twelve tribes, dwelling places in the kingdom, blessings a hundredfold for the sacrifices of this life, etc.). However, here, he decides to take a slightly different tack. He shows them a little child and tells them that they will be to be like that (spiritually speaking) in order to enter the kingdom of God.
Much has been made about the humility of children as being the important feature of children, and no doubt that is true. Children are also innocent (though this can change if the conditions of verse six apply, as I will have place to comment on later). Children are teachable, and are highly sensitive to their environment. Too often as Christians we can become ensconced in our own little world, unable to see what is around us. This inhibits our ability to see when what happens around us changes, if we are stuck in a narrow-minded worldview that does not allow for external evidence. We as Christians must always be willing to learn, and must be sensitive to learning opportunities around us. They pop up in unexpected ways.
In the next verse the humility is specifically mentioned, and this part deserves mention as well. Humility is certainly required by us all. But we cannot forget to whom Jesus Christ was speaking. He was speaking to his inner circle. He was speaking through them to the rest of us, of course, but he was speaking to those who were his friends and direct subordinates, so to speak. No one is above the need to be humble--not the highest, nor the lowest. And though failure for the highest to properly set an example does not absolve others from obedience to God, those who lead will be punished much more harshly for setting the bad example, as verse six comments rather bluntly.
Next Jesus Christ comments about receiving children. Why is it so important to receive children, and how should we do so? Children are very natural, in that they say way they think, and they are rather open about what happens with them. They tell others their needs and wants (and confuse the two, of course) rather openly. They also are very honest about how others behave. We receive children as Christ in various ways. For one, we take their problems seriously. If we see that something wrong has happened to a child (and I can speak from rather serious personal experience here), we should take it seriously. We should not give them everything they want, but not to give them everything they need is beyond excuse. Our character is determined by how we treat those who are regarded the least, who can benefit us the least, and who have nothing to offer us besides (maybe) a quick and mumbled thanks. How we treat the least and smallest among us is how we will be judged.
It is at this point that Jesus Christ makes a rather sober comment, and one that has a great deal of resonance in my own personal life. The word offend here seems light. After all, I am (frequently) offended when people cut in front of me in traffic. That said, from the looks of the passage as a whole (and the verse in particular), it would appear that the reason why God takes offense towards children so seriously is that things done in childhood can deeply scar someone for a long, long time. Those who rob children of innocence or who make it difficult for them to trust others will suffer for it in the judgment, for God takes such matters rather seriously. To say too much more at this time and in this place would be ill advised, but the example used by Jesus Christ here is quite graphic. Being drowned at the bottom of the sea with one of the heaviest objects around (think of it like having an SUV tied around your neck and tossed to the bottom of the ocean) is a rather unpleasant fate. To reflect that the actual fate is worse is even less pleasant. Justice is not always a pretty thing.
Finally, the passage closes with a rather ominous verse, one that merits comments in several ways. For one, this seems to be Jesus Christ reflecting on his own upcoming betrayal, as the comment applies just a bit too perfectly to Judas Iscariot (the Gospel of Judas notwithstanding). Nonetheless, it has far more importance than this alone. God's plan involves suffering. Some of us must suffer more than others, in ways that are sometimes difficult to fathom, difficult to explain, and difficult to sort out. There is some higher plan involved, whether that is by design or by what God allows to happen, though both can be accounted, however difficult, as His will. Nonetheless, just beause God wills something does not absolve the human actors of their responsibility for our actions. Though the workings of free will and predestination are quite complicated, the Bible is pretty clear that God works His will through the free will of human beings.
Suffice it to say that much more could be said, but it is late, and I need to sleep this Sabbath morning. There are reasons why I study what I do, and why I focus on those things which I focus on. We all seek to explain our lives, to find some kind of meaning and purpose for what we go through, whether that is good or bad. Anything can be endured as long as it has a purpose and a meaning. So said Victor Frankl, and he was a wise man, who himself suffered much, as have we all, without a doubt.
Matthew 18, the first seven verses, read the following way in the (updated) version of the 1560 Geneva New Testament: "The same time the disciples came unto Jesus saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus called a llittle child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, "Verily I say unto you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receive me. But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe me, it were better for him, that a millsotone be hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe be unto the world because of offenses: for it must needs be that offences shall come, but woe be to that man by whom the offence come."
This passage begins, as could be expected, with the human desire for place and position. So it seems much begins in this world, in the struggle for place. The disciples, like any carnal human being, were very concerned about their rank and titles. At times Jesus Christ told them the benefits of their loyal service (ruling over the twelve tribes, dwelling places in the kingdom, blessings a hundredfold for the sacrifices of this life, etc.). However, here, he decides to take a slightly different tack. He shows them a little child and tells them that they will be to be like that (spiritually speaking) in order to enter the kingdom of God.
Much has been made about the humility of children as being the important feature of children, and no doubt that is true. Children are also innocent (though this can change if the conditions of verse six apply, as I will have place to comment on later). Children are teachable, and are highly sensitive to their environment. Too often as Christians we can become ensconced in our own little world, unable to see what is around us. This inhibits our ability to see when what happens around us changes, if we are stuck in a narrow-minded worldview that does not allow for external evidence. We as Christians must always be willing to learn, and must be sensitive to learning opportunities around us. They pop up in unexpected ways.
In the next verse the humility is specifically mentioned, and this part deserves mention as well. Humility is certainly required by us all. But we cannot forget to whom Jesus Christ was speaking. He was speaking to his inner circle. He was speaking through them to the rest of us, of course, but he was speaking to those who were his friends and direct subordinates, so to speak. No one is above the need to be humble--not the highest, nor the lowest. And though failure for the highest to properly set an example does not absolve others from obedience to God, those who lead will be punished much more harshly for setting the bad example, as verse six comments rather bluntly.
Next Jesus Christ comments about receiving children. Why is it so important to receive children, and how should we do so? Children are very natural, in that they say way they think, and they are rather open about what happens with them. They tell others their needs and wants (and confuse the two, of course) rather openly. They also are very honest about how others behave. We receive children as Christ in various ways. For one, we take their problems seriously. If we see that something wrong has happened to a child (and I can speak from rather serious personal experience here), we should take it seriously. We should not give them everything they want, but not to give them everything they need is beyond excuse. Our character is determined by how we treat those who are regarded the least, who can benefit us the least, and who have nothing to offer us besides (maybe) a quick and mumbled thanks. How we treat the least and smallest among us is how we will be judged.
It is at this point that Jesus Christ makes a rather sober comment, and one that has a great deal of resonance in my own personal life. The word offend here seems light. After all, I am (frequently) offended when people cut in front of me in traffic. That said, from the looks of the passage as a whole (and the verse in particular), it would appear that the reason why God takes offense towards children so seriously is that things done in childhood can deeply scar someone for a long, long time. Those who rob children of innocence or who make it difficult for them to trust others will suffer for it in the judgment, for God takes such matters rather seriously. To say too much more at this time and in this place would be ill advised, but the example used by Jesus Christ here is quite graphic. Being drowned at the bottom of the sea with one of the heaviest objects around (think of it like having an SUV tied around your neck and tossed to the bottom of the ocean) is a rather unpleasant fate. To reflect that the actual fate is worse is even less pleasant. Justice is not always a pretty thing.
Finally, the passage closes with a rather ominous verse, one that merits comments in several ways. For one, this seems to be Jesus Christ reflecting on his own upcoming betrayal, as the comment applies just a bit too perfectly to Judas Iscariot (the Gospel of Judas notwithstanding). Nonetheless, it has far more importance than this alone. God's plan involves suffering. Some of us must suffer more than others, in ways that are sometimes difficult to fathom, difficult to explain, and difficult to sort out. There is some higher plan involved, whether that is by design or by what God allows to happen, though both can be accounted, however difficult, as His will. Nonetheless, just beause God wills something does not absolve the human actors of their responsibility for our actions. Though the workings of free will and predestination are quite complicated, the Bible is pretty clear that God works His will through the free will of human beings.
Suffice it to say that much more could be said, but it is late, and I need to sleep this Sabbath morning. There are reasons why I study what I do, and why I focus on those things which I focus on. We all seek to explain our lives, to find some kind of meaning and purpose for what we go through, whether that is good or bad. Anything can be endured as long as it has a purpose and a meaning. So said Victor Frankl, and he was a wise man, who himself suffered much, as have we all, without a doubt.
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