The Friday Story
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  • Leadership Teamwork Customer Service Inspiration Attitude
The Friday Story
  • About/
  • Contact/
  • Stories/
    • Leadership
    • Teamwork
    • Customer Service
    • Inspiration
    • Attitude
The Friday Story

Stories

The Friday Story
  • About/
  • Contact/
  • Stories/
    • Leadership
    • Teamwork
    • Customer Service
    • Inspiration
    • Attitude
 
Leadership Stories
May 31, 2024
Leadership
MISTER ROGERS
May 31, 2024
Leadership

At 2:00 pm on August 31, 2001, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) aired the final original showing of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. After more than 30 years of greeting youngsters each day on television with his trademark "Hi, Neighbor," Fred Rogers, host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, put away his cardigan and sneakers for the last time.

This week, the world took pause to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which first aired on February 19th, 1968.

Read More →
May 31, 2024
Leadership
Mar 8, 2024
Customer Service, Leadership
THE SICK CUSTOMER
Mar 8, 2024
Customer Service, Leadership

Today, a customer called me on the telephone, and he was in pain.  He complained about tension, stress, and worry.  

I prescribed a family vacation at the beach.

Today, a customer e-mailed me, and she was tired.  She complained about her workload and lack of quality time with her family.  

I prescribed a family vacation in the mountains.

Read More →
Mar 8, 2024
Customer Service, Leadership
Jun 7, 2019
Leadership
PLEASE ENTER YOUR NEXT DESTINATION
Jun 7, 2019
Leadership

When I type my next destination into my GPS, the navigation guidance system speaks a familiar content and tone through the car speakers:

Read More →
Jun 7, 2019
Leadership
Apr 22, 2018
Leadership
MR. ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD
Apr 22, 2018
Leadership

At 2:00 pm on August 31, 2001, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) aired the final original showing of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. After more than 30 years of greeting youngsters each day on television with his trademark "Hi, Neighbor," Fred Rogers, host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, put away his cardigan and sneakers for the last time.

This week, the world took pause to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which first aired on February 19th, 1968.

Read More →
Apr 22, 2018
Leadership
Jul 25, 2017
Leadership
RUNNING OUT OF TIME
Jul 25, 2017
Leadership

It has been another long week.  Your job, overall, is going well.  The job pays the bills, provides benefits for the family and allows you to save something for the future. But at times, the job takes its toll on life outside of work.  Yes, there are times when you have missed your child's sporting events, or it's been over a month since you have been out with your friends. And there was that time the you almost scheduled a business trip on your wedding anniversary or missed wishing your mom a "Happy Birthday."  But overall, you feel you have managed well over the years to achieve a good work/family balance.

However, this is not the case for Steve and his son Billy. It's 8:30 PM as Steve finally arrives home.  Eight-year-old Billy, Steve's "best buddy," is in his pajamas and ready for bed. Upon hearing the door open, Billy runs to see his Dad.

Read More →
Jul 25, 2017
Leadership
Feb 15, 2013
Leadership
AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME
Feb 15, 2013
Leadership

It has been another long day.  Your job, though it is professionally rewarding and pays the bills, take its toll on life outside of work.  Yes, there are times when you have missed Billie's games, the opening of Susie's school play, and you almost scheduled a business trip on your wedding anniversary, but you feel overall you have managed pretty well over the years to achieve a good balance between work and family.
 
It's 8:30 PM as you walk in the door.  Eight-year-old Billie, your "best buddy," is in his pajamas and ready for bed.  Upon hearing the door open, he runs to see you.

Read More →
Feb 15, 2013
Leadership
Teamwork Stories
Sep 27, 2024
Inspiration
MIRROR, MIRROR ...
Sep 27, 2024
Inspiration

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;

-       I want to know what will come next;
-       I want to know the who, when, and how.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek!

-       What makes one strong and another weak?
-       What makes one strive for greatness and another accept mediocrity?

Read More →
Sep 27, 2024
Inspiration
Aug 23, 2024
Inspiration
I HAVE A BOX OF MEMORIES
Aug 23, 2024
Inspiration

I have a box of memories.

Shining, bright, and bold.

I have a box of memories.

Some warm, some very cold.

Read More →
Aug 23, 2024
Inspiration
Aug 9, 2024
Inspiration, Attitude
COMPASSION HEALS
Aug 9, 2024
Inspiration, Attitude

The psychiatrist and theologian writer Gerald May speaks of a person he knew in one of the poorest psychiatric wards in New York, a young woman named Karen who sat alone day after day without responding to anyone who spoke to her. Every day, one of the maintenance men, Mike Foster, would sit at her side, eating his lunch and chatting with her even though she showed no response. One day, as John prepared to leave with his usual, “See you tomorrow, Karen,” she answered, “See you tomorrow, Mike.” A year later, she left the hospital and lived an everyday and happy life.

Read More →
Aug 9, 2024
Inspiration, Attitude
May 17, 2024
Inspiration
THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE
May 17, 2024
Inspiration

There is a missing piece of pie served at my Holiday Feast, and I’m not sure why.

  • Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?

  • Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?

  • Maybe someone dropped the pie and returned what was left to cover their tracks?

Read More →
May 17, 2024
Inspiration
May 10, 2024
Inspiration
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
May 10, 2024
Inspiration

In the 1960s to 1980s Television Game Show “Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant was asked to choose between three doors—Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind another door would be a moderately priced prize.  And behind the third door would be a “Zonk.”  A Zonk is a prize worth nothing, such as a wheel barrel full of dirt, a hay bail, or a trash bag.  

Read More →
May 10, 2024
Inspiration
Apr 5, 2024
Inspiration
COME BACK!
Apr 5, 2024
Inspiration

If you want to save your soul;

come back to God.

If you want to save your family; 

come back to God.

If you want to save our country;

come back to God.

If you want to save our Church;

come back to God.

Read More →
Apr 5, 2024
Inspiration
Aug 14, 2020
Attitude, Inspiration
THE WORST DAY EVER
Aug 14, 2020
Attitude, Inspiration

Today was the absolute worst day ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look

This world is a pretty evil place.

Even if

Some good does shine through once in a while

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.

And it’s not true that

It’s all in the mind and heart

Because

Read More →
Aug 14, 2020
Attitude, Inspiration
Mar 13, 2020
Inspiration
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
Mar 13, 2020
Inspiration

Sometimes we let events come and then we react. And for the most part, we have been very successful. We have a strong company, and great leadership. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and we are blindsided and left numb. Whether it is an illness, a disgruntled guest, misunderstood communications, unanswered e-mails, or budget overrun, we run for cover, consultation, or rationalize the situation to others and ourselves. It's in these times that we need to remind ourselves - what does success look like?

Read More →
Mar 13, 2020
Inspiration
Feb 14, 2020
Inspiration
THE TAXI RIDE
Feb 14, 2020
Inspiration

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.

Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, and made me laugh...

Read More →
Feb 14, 2020
Inspiration
Feb 7, 2020
Inspiration
Resolution
Feb 7, 2020
Inspiration

Mom, though it has been many years since these events have occurred, I think of them often and wonder why you did what you did. 

What events?

Well, when I was in eight grade and on the CYO Basketball team, I was one of their star players. We had a great season, and we were on our way to the championship. The championship game was set for Saturday, and we were all thrilled. When I told you about the game, you told me that I could not go because we were expected at Pop-Pop and Nanny’s home for dinner in Philadelphia.

Read More →
Feb 7, 2020
Inspiration
Customer Service Stories
Sep 27, 2024
MIRROR, MIRROR ...
Sep 27, 2024

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;

-       I want to know what will come next;
-       I want to know the who, when, and how.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek!

-       What makes one strong and another weak?
-       What makes one strive for greatness and another accept mediocrity?

Read More →
Sep 27, 2024
Aug 23, 2024
I HAVE A BOX OF MEMORIES
Aug 23, 2024

I have a box of memories.

Shining, bright, and bold.

I have a box of memories.

Some warm, some very cold.

Read More →
Aug 23, 2024
Aug 9, 2024
COMPASSION HEALS
Aug 9, 2024

The psychiatrist and theologian writer Gerald May speaks of a person he knew in one of the poorest psychiatric wards in New York, a young woman named Karen who sat alone day after day without responding to anyone who spoke to her. Every day, one of the maintenance men, Mike Foster, would sit at her side, eating his lunch and chatting with her even though she showed no response. One day, as John prepared to leave with his usual, “See you tomorrow, Karen,” she answered, “See you tomorrow, Mike.” A year later, she left the hospital and lived an everyday and happy life.

Read More →
Aug 9, 2024
May 17, 2024
THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE
May 17, 2024

There is a missing piece of pie served at my Holiday Feast, and I’m not sure why.

  • Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?

  • Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?

  • Maybe someone dropped the pie and returned what was left to cover their tracks?

Read More →
May 17, 2024
May 10, 2024
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
May 10, 2024

In the 1960s to 1980s Television Game Show “Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant was asked to choose between three doors—Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind another door would be a moderately priced prize.  And behind the third door would be a “Zonk.”  A Zonk is a prize worth nothing, such as a wheel barrel full of dirt, a hay bail, or a trash bag.  

Read More →
May 10, 2024
Apr 5, 2024
COME BACK!
Apr 5, 2024

If you want to save your soul;

come back to God.

If you want to save your family; 

come back to God.

If you want to save our country;

come back to God.

If you want to save our Church;

come back to God.

Read More →
Apr 5, 2024
Aug 14, 2020
THE WORST DAY EVER
Aug 14, 2020

Today was the absolute worst day ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look

This world is a pretty evil place.

Even if

Some good does shine through once in a while

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.

And it’s not true that

It’s all in the mind and heart

Because

Read More →
Aug 14, 2020
Mar 13, 2020
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
Mar 13, 2020

Sometimes we let events come and then we react. And for the most part, we have been very successful. We have a strong company, and great leadership. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and we are blindsided and left numb. Whether it is an illness, a disgruntled guest, misunderstood communications, unanswered e-mails, or budget overrun, we run for cover, consultation, or rationalize the situation to others and ourselves. It's in these times that we need to remind ourselves - what does success look like?

Read More →
Mar 13, 2020
Feb 14, 2020
THE TAXI RIDE
Feb 14, 2020

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.

Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, and made me laugh...

Read More →
Feb 14, 2020
Feb 7, 2020
Resolution
Feb 7, 2020

Mom, though it has been many years since these events have occurred, I think of them often and wonder why you did what you did. 

What events?

Well, when I was in eight grade and on the CYO Basketball team, I was one of their star players. We had a great season, and we were on our way to the championship. The championship game was set for Saturday, and we were all thrilled. When I told you about the game, you told me that I could not go because we were expected at Pop-Pop and Nanny’s home for dinner in Philadelphia.

Read More →
Feb 7, 2020
Inspiration Stories
Sep 27, 2024
MIRROR, MIRROR ...
Sep 27, 2024

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;

-       I want to know what will come next;
-       I want to know the who, when, and how.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek!

-       What makes one strong and another weak?
-       What makes one strive for greatness and another accept mediocrity?

Read More →
Sep 27, 2024
Aug 23, 2024
I HAVE A BOX OF MEMORIES
Aug 23, 2024

I have a box of memories.

Shining, bright, and bold.

I have a box of memories.

Some warm, some very cold.

Read More →
Aug 23, 2024
Aug 9, 2024
COMPASSION HEALS
Aug 9, 2024

The psychiatrist and theologian writer Gerald May speaks of a person he knew in one of the poorest psychiatric wards in New York, a young woman named Karen who sat alone day after day without responding to anyone who spoke to her. Every day, one of the maintenance men, Mike Foster, would sit at her side, eating his lunch and chatting with her even though she showed no response. One day, as John prepared to leave with his usual, “See you tomorrow, Karen,” she answered, “See you tomorrow, Mike.” A year later, she left the hospital and lived an everyday and happy life.

Read More →
Aug 9, 2024
May 17, 2024
THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE
May 17, 2024

There is a missing piece of pie served at my Holiday Feast, and I’m not sure why.

  • Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?

  • Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?

  • Maybe someone dropped the pie and returned what was left to cover their tracks?

Read More →
May 17, 2024
May 10, 2024
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
May 10, 2024

In the 1960s to 1980s Television Game Show “Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant was asked to choose between three doors—Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind another door would be a moderately priced prize.  And behind the third door would be a “Zonk.”  A Zonk is a prize worth nothing, such as a wheel barrel full of dirt, a hay bail, or a trash bag.  

Read More →
May 10, 2024
Apr 5, 2024
COME BACK!
Apr 5, 2024

If you want to save your soul;

come back to God.

If you want to save your family; 

come back to God.

If you want to save our country;

come back to God.

If you want to save our Church;

come back to God.

Read More →
Apr 5, 2024
Aug 14, 2020
THE WORST DAY EVER
Aug 14, 2020

Today was the absolute worst day ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look

This world is a pretty evil place.

Even if

Some good does shine through once in a while

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.

And it’s not true that

It’s all in the mind and heart

Because

Read More →
Aug 14, 2020
Mar 13, 2020
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
Mar 13, 2020

Sometimes we let events come and then we react. And for the most part, we have been very successful. We have a strong company, and great leadership. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and we are blindsided and left numb. Whether it is an illness, a disgruntled guest, misunderstood communications, unanswered e-mails, or budget overrun, we run for cover, consultation, or rationalize the situation to others and ourselves. It's in these times that we need to remind ourselves - what does success look like?

Read More →
Mar 13, 2020
Feb 14, 2020
THE TAXI RIDE
Feb 14, 2020

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.

Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, and made me laugh...

Read More →
Feb 14, 2020
Feb 7, 2020
Resolution
Feb 7, 2020

Mom, though it has been many years since these events have occurred, I think of them often and wonder why you did what you did. 

What events?

Well, when I was in eight grade and on the CYO Basketball team, I was one of their star players. We had a great season, and we were on our way to the championship. The championship game was set for Saturday, and we were all thrilled. When I told you about the game, you told me that I could not go because we were expected at Pop-Pop and Nanny’s home for dinner in Philadelphia.

Read More →
Feb 7, 2020
Attitude Stories
Sep 27, 2024
Inspiration
MIRROR, MIRROR ...
Sep 27, 2024
Inspiration

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;

-       I want to know what will come next;
-       I want to know the who, when, and how.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek!

-       What makes one strong and another weak?
-       What makes one strive for greatness and another accept mediocrity?

Read More →
Sep 27, 2024
Inspiration
Aug 23, 2024
Inspiration
I HAVE A BOX OF MEMORIES
Aug 23, 2024
Inspiration

I have a box of memories.

Shining, bright, and bold.

I have a box of memories.

Some warm, some very cold.

Read More →
Aug 23, 2024
Inspiration
Aug 9, 2024
Inspiration, Attitude
COMPASSION HEALS
Aug 9, 2024
Inspiration, Attitude

The psychiatrist and theologian writer Gerald May speaks of a person he knew in one of the poorest psychiatric wards in New York, a young woman named Karen who sat alone day after day without responding to anyone who spoke to her. Every day, one of the maintenance men, Mike Foster, would sit at her side, eating his lunch and chatting with her even though she showed no response. One day, as John prepared to leave with his usual, “See you tomorrow, Karen,” she answered, “See you tomorrow, Mike.” A year later, she left the hospital and lived an everyday and happy life.

Read More →
Aug 9, 2024
Inspiration, Attitude
May 17, 2024
Inspiration
THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE
May 17, 2024
Inspiration

There is a missing piece of pie served at my Holiday Feast, and I’m not sure why.

  • Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?

  • Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?

  • Maybe someone dropped the pie and returned what was left to cover their tracks?

Read More →
May 17, 2024
Inspiration
May 10, 2024
Inspiration
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
May 10, 2024
Inspiration

In the 1960s to 1980s Television Game Show “Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant was asked to choose between three doors—Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind another door would be a moderately priced prize.  And behind the third door would be a “Zonk.”  A Zonk is a prize worth nothing, such as a wheel barrel full of dirt, a hay bail, or a trash bag.  

Read More →
May 10, 2024
Inspiration
Apr 5, 2024
Inspiration
COME BACK!
Apr 5, 2024
Inspiration

If you want to save your soul;

come back to God.

If you want to save your family; 

come back to God.

If you want to save our country;

come back to God.

If you want to save our Church;

come back to God.

Read More →
Apr 5, 2024
Inspiration
Aug 14, 2020
Attitude, Inspiration
THE WORST DAY EVER
Aug 14, 2020
Attitude, Inspiration

Today was the absolute worst day ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look

This world is a pretty evil place.

Even if

Some good does shine through once in a while

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.

And it’s not true that

It’s all in the mind and heart

Because

Read More →
Aug 14, 2020
Attitude, Inspiration
Mar 13, 2020
Inspiration
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
Mar 13, 2020
Inspiration

Sometimes we let events come and then we react. And for the most part, we have been very successful. We have a strong company, and great leadership. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and we are blindsided and left numb. Whether it is an illness, a disgruntled guest, misunderstood communications, unanswered e-mails, or budget overrun, we run for cover, consultation, or rationalize the situation to others and ourselves. It's in these times that we need to remind ourselves - what does success look like?

Read More →
Mar 13, 2020
Inspiration
Feb 14, 2020
Inspiration
THE TAXI RIDE
Feb 14, 2020
Inspiration

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.

Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, and made me laugh...

Read More →
Feb 14, 2020
Inspiration
Feb 7, 2020
Inspiration
Resolution
Feb 7, 2020
Inspiration

Mom, though it has been many years since these events have occurred, I think of them often and wonder why you did what you did. 

What events?

Well, when I was in eight grade and on the CYO Basketball team, I was one of their star players. We had a great season, and we were on our way to the championship. The championship game was set for Saturday, and we were all thrilled. When I told you about the game, you told me that I could not go because we were expected at Pop-Pop and Nanny’s home for dinner in Philadelphia.

Read More →
Feb 7, 2020
Inspiration
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  • Contact/
  • Stories/
    • Leadership
    • Teamwork
    • Customer Service
    • Inspiration
    • Attitude

The Friday Story

Lesson Plans for Life

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