Talkaholics

We had a great day today. It included several hours at the pool, a great hike at the top of a mountain with lots of laughing and family time. It even included this little guy (see below) coming up to our chalet. Cool stuff...God is good!
However, this morning started out a bit rocky. We were invited to come hear about the resort which we knew was going to be a time share presentation. As a family, we decided to accept their "bribe" of some money off at the resort plus a free breakfast. It might not have been the best decision we have made this trip.

Dawn (not her real name) was assigned to us as our salesperson. She immediately began talking and did not stop for a couple hours. I seriously fought the urge to ask her how she breathed. She talked non-stop. In fact, at one point she said that she didn't care what we thought of her or even what we did for a living. Being a salesperson myself, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. One of the first things you learn in Sales 101 Class is that you need to build rapport by listening to your prospect.

Molly, my 18 year-old daughter summed it up best, however, when she said, "You know what? As painful as that was I just tried to look at this as a learning experience so that I NEVER talk that much!" Well said!

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.

James 1:19

Joe the Plumber

I turned on the TV this morning and it seems like all I heard about was Joe the Plumber (pictured above watching last night's debate). Barack Obama was in my town the past several days and he was approached by Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumber in the area, who told Obama he was trying to buy a plumbing business and asked the senator why his taxes would be going up under Obama's plan.

Mr. Obama said, in part, "It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success, too. I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."

In the presidential debate last night, John McCain used this exchange to make a point. He kept referring to "John the plumbers" around the country and how Obama's tax plan would hurt them.

Regardless of which side of the political fence you are on, you have to admire what John McCain did here. In bringing up Joe the plumber, he was attempting to show the American people two things. One, that he is listening to the needs and concerns of the people. And two, that he can communicate in an understandable way. He didn't go off on how smart he is, he simply was talking here in terms that everyone could understand. Very smart.

In our daily lives at work and at home we can learn from this. Let's listen more and not try to impress people with all we know.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:19b