The Difference is in the Details

I was recently talking with a student about her school work when I told her that the difference between an “A” and a “B” is in the details. If she pays attention to the specific directions on a test or assignment and is willing to be thorough, this makes all the difference. It doesn’t take a huge commitment of time, but requires clarity of focus. As I gave it some thought, I realized that the attitude of just “getting by” can become a bad habit or creep in over time in many spheres of life. Sometimes life moves at such a frenetic pace that it is difficult to do anything well or wholeheartedly. The rewards of living a focused life in the following areas will make a difference in who you are and where you are going.

Attitude
We are all well acquainted with our flaws, but accepting a bad attitude as just a part of our personality is really a guise for refusing to change. Our attitudes, positive or negative, will greatly affect the people around us. Negative attitudes carried far enough can close doors on important opportunities or lead to broken relationships. It is worth it to cultivate a positive, loving, humble and gracious attitude.

“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.” -Herm Albright

Excellence
When we do something to the best of our abilities, it is rewarding. It is a gift to ourselves, to others and to God. But when we have too many plates spinning, something is likely to come crashing down. It is better to do a few things well than to commit to many things without following through.

Care for People
If we excel in many areas but forget this one thing, we have missed the mark. Don’t miss the important daily details of caring for the people around you. We have to stop and listen to people to know their hearts and their needs.

Moral Choices
Moral failure starts with the heart. We have to establish and maintain boundaries in our thoughts and emotions to protect our hearts. It is not just about our name, but honoring God. In “Batman Begins”, Bruce Wayne was about to enter the room where his guests were waiting to celebrate his birthday. He was careless about what they thought of him, but the butler said: "It's not just your name, sir! It's your father's name!" We need to think about honoring the name of God and not just pleasing ourselves.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14)