Westside Home Builders Association

Chaplain's Corner Provided By: Max Caylor, WHBA Chaplain
Do you know the origin of Labor Day? "The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City following the aftermath of the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshalls during the 1894 Pullman Strike." President Cleveland wanted to reconcile with Labor so having a national holiday was rushed through Congress in only six days. Silly me, I thought Labor Day was the end of summer, beginning of football and a time for a long weekend. So, Labor Day is really about recognizing and honoring our workforce. Nobody knows more about work or laboring than home builders, contractors (guess overseeing counts as labor) and related trade groups. How we go about doing our jobs makes a major difference in product results and one's on emotional well being. How is your attitude? Former Atlanta Brave pitching coach and now Brave pregame commentator Leo Mazzoni has some good advice for all workers. The Braves had just lost a game when they had a 10-1 lead. Some of the radio guys and call-in fans we moaning and groaning . . . "they blew a double play" . . . "they could not get my grandmother out" . . . "why did they leave him so long/" . . . and on and it went until Leo interrupted. "Hey fellows," he said. This is the game. Everything does bounce the way you think. The game is over. Done. Gone. Let's get ready to play tomorrow. We are in a pennant race." And so, Leo did not let the belly aching, fussing, complaining go on. He put the situation in perspective not just for a baseball game but for all life situations. Hope you have a great Labor Day and Leo's advice is helpful. Our group meets Tuesday mornings at 7:30 am in the Association office and you are welcome to join in the conversation. Let Chris know you are coming and we will have a biscuit for you. Blessings, Max Caylor Chaplain Max Caylor is Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Douglasville, GA. He has graciously volunteered to serve as Association Chaplain for Westside HBA and is available to assist you in any way. Please feel free to call on him if he can be of service. His personal cell number is 678-954-7970. Email Max

"On An Inspiring Coach"
Have you heard about Greenville coach Jeremy Williams? He is 38 years old and has ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. He walks with a slight limp.

The Patriots were in the first round of the State Playoffs last Friday night. They beat Pelham 25-0. However, there is more to the story.

Due to coach William's disease the Georgia town of 936 people bought a red golf cart to assist coach in moving around the field. The Assistant Coaches help him dress for the game. One of the players stated, "we are very quiet and have to really try and listen to coach." This team is really a TEAM!

The Patroits had not played well in the first half Friday night and were ahead only7-0 when they felt like it should have been 21-0.. Coach Williams did not dwell on their negative play in the first half during his talk before the third quarter. He simply asked, "Are you guys ready to finish playing football this year? I'm not, and I don't think you are, either." You already know the results of Friday's game..

So, as we begin a new week may the witness of a High School coach inspire us in dealing with our personal situations . "Are you guys ready . . . "

Chaplain Max