Part 1 - "The Fred Factor"

(With kindest regards to Mark Sanborn for the 2004 inspiration from his book titled the same)

“Fred the Postman taught me that by bringing passion into our work and life we can all turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.” Mark Sanborn

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others.

I read the book “The Fred Factor” many, many years ago as a professional book and it was one that forever left an impression on me. It’s actually timeless in its content. It’s all based on the life of a real postman named Fred Shea. Recently the story has been coming to my mind time and time again. So, I decided to reread it while on vacation. Even though the book is not remotely theological, I do believe it was written by someone with a Christian background and strong ethics. Mr. Sanborn, the author, quotes Andrew Carnegie,

G.K. Chesterton, Winston Churchill, and others throughout the book and I’m constantly thinking, that’s what Jesus teaches. I dare not try to recreate Sanborn’s story but would rather relate what he has written to the teachings of Jesus. I hope to accomplish this with a daily dose of “Fred” over the next 4 days.

Today’s writing will set the stage for the next four days and understanding who Fred is, is essential. Fred is an actual postman who delivers mail on a particular route every day. What makes Fred different is HOW he does his job. Fred takes the time to get to know his customers, their likes and dislikes, routines, and needs. He notices when they are out of town. He notices when they may be sick. He even notices when someone may simply need an ear or a kind word. “The Fred Factor” became a story when Mark Sanborn, the author, moved to Fred’s route and Fred took it upon himself to introduce himself to Mr. Sanborn and welcome him to the neighborhood. Fred asked pertinent questions to find out Mr. Sanborn’s job and mail requirements. Fred took care to make sure that Mr. Sanborn got his mail, was not targeted by thieves who would notice an overflowing mailbox, and ensure that all packages made it to the correct place. This left a profound impact on Mr. Sanborn hence how the story came to be. Over the next four days we will look at: *What is a Fred? *Do you know a Fred? *Can we all be a Fred? *How to recognize and become more Fred-like.

What I hope that you take away from these writings this week is that Fred was so much like Jesus in his everyday life. Fred did an ordinary job, that many took for granted, in an extraordinary way. He cared for people regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, income level. Like Jesus, he worked from the heart. Fred showed compassion, care, and consideration, with a phenomenal work ethic. As you ponder Fred’s life, think of your own and think of Jesus’ life. Jesus was anything but ordinary, but many today do not recognize the extraordinary things he did and continues to do. Think about the ways that Jesus has exhibited extraordinary moments in your own life. Fred invested his life into other peoples’ lives just as Jesus did.

1Corinthians 13:4-8a 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails…. Do you see the most important word here? Remember it!