I sat at the airport forever. It was just after they announced her plane's third delay that I noticed him swinging his mop back and forth across the marble floor.

He looked to be in his late 60s and he took his job seriously. It was a level of seriousness that I hadn't seen in a long time.

 

As a child, I remember most adults being nice and taking pride in their work. But as I watched him clean the floor just outside of the security checkpoint, it dawned on me that his type of work ethic had faded from our culture.

 

Here was a guy who was working late on a Friday night and probably didn't make a lot of money. Yet, he was obviously glad to be where he was.

 

His jeans and work shirt were crisply pressed. His shoes shined.

 

So did he.

 

He made sure he didn't miss a spot.

 

Today, we're surrounded by whiners. Those who have an undeserved sense of entitlement.

 

When did America start producing people who want a job, and then when a business gives them an opportunity, they work as hard as they can to do as little as possible?

 

I'm not sure, but I know it happened over the last 40 years.

 

My parents taught me a lot, but one thing that's always stuck with me was: "Son, always thank the person who hires you, always give 110%, and never complain about your money. Because you agreed to work for it."

 

Every American parent should repeat this same advice to this generation of children and each generation hereafter.

 

And take your kids to the airport and let them watch the guy with the mop.

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