Gift of Labor

 

Days at work, like any day, can be good or bad, happy or frustrating, joyful or sad.  I am certain that if I asked you to share a “good” day at work and a “bad” day at work, you would easily come to the table with many experiences.  Throughout my career, like all of you, I’ve experienced good and bad days at work.  Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Why am I doing this job?  What is the purpose?”  I know I have and depending on when during my career I have asked that question, the answers have been different.

A couple of years ago, that question seemed to be playing in my head repeatedly.   As I tried to analyze the different answers that came to mind, I realized one thing – I seemed to be missing something.  What was the purpose of my work and why was “I” the one tasked to take this path?  Should I be going down a different path – a different career?

It was then that this verse came to mean so much to me.  It wasn’t a coincidence that God had me turn to my Bible just to this chapter and verse.  He knew what I needed and drew me to the answer.  This verse, carefully written on a piece of paper in my day timer, helps to remind me daily of what I am doing and why I am doing it.

Our labor or career path is truly a gift from God.  No moaning or groaning, let me finish.  God brings us many wonderful blessings and gifts; too numerous to count.  Gifts of family, friends, homes, experiences, etc. are precious and close to our hearts.  Yet, the gift of labor is also one that God provides for us.  Many of you may be smiling and saying, “Okay, Susan, I have many gifts, but the gift of work?”  Yes, God provides us even the gift of work.

For some of us, we may have been on the same career path all our lives.  For others, the career path may have changed several times.  God provides us the gift of work to be able to sustain ourselves and our families.  Our work is a blessing from God and could also be a blessing to others.  I think of the doctors and educators that have crossed my path.  They truly have been a blessing – teaching me, healing me.  Their gift from God has blessed me.  We don’t know how our gift of labor may be touching others.

Our labor of purpose may not just sustain our everyday needs, but it may be the gift God gave you to reach others.

We tend to look at our work as a way to make a living and bring sustenance to our lives.  We may lose sight on how our gift of labor is intended to be used by God in a way we may never realize.  When we change our focus and see that our work isn’t just for man, but truly is from and for God, our mindset changes.  I know it dramatically changed my heart when I realized that my work and its purpose wasn’t always going to fill me up – it may fill others up.  Through our work, we can share God’s purpose for our lives with all those we come in touch with.  

The next time we may be dreading going to work, remember who we are working for!  We may be working for someone, but more importantly, we are working for God.  That should bring a pep in all our steps!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of labor.  May we realize our work has purpose, God purpose.  Help us to look at work as a gift from you, and may we eagerly do our work with you in mind.  Amen!