Toni, Susie and Rebecca

I can think of two women right off the top of my head that are examples of The Rebecca Principle: Toni and Susie.

Toni works at the post office. Most of us who live in Dodge have to pick up our mail and Toni is consistently cheerful to serve us in the post office. She goes the extra mile. One Saturday morning I knew I would not be able to retrieve my ticket for a package since the window just closed. But as I walked back to my car, Toni was driving off. She parked her vehicle, jumped out and went back in with me to get that package. And she never stopped smiling!

Susie works in the Production Department of the company which manufacturers the product that we sell. Again another cheerful gal, Susie can always be counted on to pick up slack when the coordinators are not around to receive our calls. I will never forget the business meeting I attended in Phoenix followed by a fancy awards dinner. Several of the managers received well deserved awards. One of them gave Susie accolades in his acceptance speech, remarking that her support and help allowed him to increase sales that year. As he finished his remarks, the whole audience stood up and gave Susie a standing ovation. Everybody expressed just the way I felt about my coworker.

In Genesis, Chapter 24, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son, Isaac.

^10-14 The servant took ten of his master's camels and, loaded with gifts from his master, traveled to Aram Naharaim and the city of Nahor. Outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well. It was evening, the time when the women came to draw water. He prayed, "O God, God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day; treat my master Abraham well! As I stand here by the spring while the young women of the town come out to get water, let the girl to whom I say, 'Lower your jug and give me a drink,' and who answers, 'Drink, and let me also water your camels'—let her be the woman you have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I'll know that you're working graciously behind the scenes for my master."

Rebecca was the young woman who gave a drink to Abraham’s servant and then offered to provide water for his camels which was no easy task! This woman of integrity was hard working, going the extra mile in her service. Only Rebecca would fill the requirement to be Isaac’s wife. She received her reward.

We learn from the Rebecca Principle that hard work and integrity obtains the promotion. Not only that, it pleases the Lord.

A Veteran's Story

I noticed Bill sitting in our local park where I walk. He glanced my way just as I finished the last exercise walk song on my playlist. He shouted and pointed to my car: “Hey, is that your car with the Nam front license plate? I stepped closer into the veranda where Bill sat on a picnic bench. I noticed his Vietnam Vet cap and instantly I knew why I walked there that day. The Marine Vet served during the 1960’s, the same time span as my husband. Bill talked a lot about the war evoking my emotions from laughter to tears. My South Vietnam front plate often prompts a conversation with a stranger and I’ve learned a deep respect for it over the years. It is my way of listening to a veteran. I enjoyed listening to Bill. He made me laugh in spots but he made me cry as well. Like when he talked about the sandwich lady. “Do you ever eat at the sandwich shop in the gas station down the street...

Lunch With the Girls on Gurley Street

While vacuuming a few days ago, I had a conversation with myself wondering if I should delete my blog. It was just a stray thought that came into my head while I was on a self pity trip. When life gets hard, I don’t always feel like rejoicing and with a blog dedicated to smiling in life, well it is just too much pressure! Then something wonderful happened. I am smiling again and can’t wait to write about it! Two precious sisters-in-Christ, amazing Arizona bloggers from the valley, drove up north and offered mega doses of encouragement. Today I would like to feature the wonderful afternoon I spent in Prescott with Debbie from Heart Choices and Kathleen from Sassy Granny. Debbie and I met last year at a blogger luncheon, so I knew this charming lady would have us laughing with her friendly ease. She is beautiful inside and out and oh, what a heart of love this gal has! It was such a blessing to meet Kathleen in person after following her blog this past year. I was su...

A Memorial Day Reflection

Memorial Day is always noteworthy for me and my girls. Next Thursday marks the third year of missing their father, my husband. So many thoughts run through my mind. The journey of loss takes on various emotions. The strongest feeling, at first, was emptiness. In a split second, I would forget he departed forever. I imagined things I needed to talk to him about when he got back home. My mind is realistic now. He's not coming back. There will be no more times of sitting on the porch swing together on the front deck staring at the moon and the stars. He would tell me all he knew about the majestic night sky. I have so much I wish I could tell him, like the excitement of seeing our oldest grandchild make a decision to follow Jesus and get baptized on Mother's Day! And our little Amy, 11 years old, I wish he could have seen her on stage receiving her induction to the National Honor Society. Our daughters have their own ...

AndreaOctober 21, 2009 at 11:18 AM
What beautiful modern day examples of Rebecca. GOD Bless them both!

Often, integrity and hard work are difficult to find. Thank you for this reminder to be more pleasing to our Lord.

I pray you are doing well. I think of you often! I am thankful the blogging world joined our hearts as friends.

Blessed to have met you,
andrea
Heart2HeartOctober 21, 2009 at 12:11 PM
I love this post! I too love to model the Rebecca principle! It reminds us that we are serving God by serving those around us. Let us all be a light that shines in dark places.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat
RCUBEsOctober 21, 2009 at 12:16 PM
It's hard to find people with these qualities now but it doesn't hurt if each of us remember this and put it into our actions. So, thank you for reminding us. Have a great day sister Mary. Sending you some banana muffins I just baked...Got coffee? Love to you sister!
Kathleen October 21, 2009 at 5:44 PM
A woman of God is a rare creature. I so admire godly character - far more in my older age than ever I did in youth.

Thank you for sharing. Blessings,
Kathleen
LorenOctober 21, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Instilling hardword and integrity is something we try to do with our kids and also the youth when we taught them. Thankyou for sharing this and honoring these women I am sure they were humbled!

I love you Mary ~ you are an example of this as well ya know!
Mevely317October 21, 2009 at 7:00 PM
What a beautiful tribute, Mary!
Always thinking of others, I'm so blessed to call you my friend!

Hugs,
Myra
Kelly LOctober 21, 2009 at 8:42 PM
This is an incredible post - I know I pray to be more like Rebecca everyday -

Love to you and thank you so much for your prayers.
Kelly
DeniseOctober 22, 2009 at 5:22 AM
Such a wonderful post sweetie.
christy roseOctober 22, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Hard work and integrity reveal the character of God within us. Allowing Him to empower us in both of these ways even gives Him the glory in that we are able to work hard and be honest because He empowers us to do so! Great post Mary!!
JackieOctober 22, 2009 at 2:16 PM
I love this post! It's just so difficult to find people with integrity, kindness and character these days and what a reminder that we as Christians should BE the example of serving others as Jesus did! Thanks so much for the reminder - it pleases the heart of God when we are true "imitators" of Him!
Sweet Blessings!
Jackie

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