The Joy Of Working

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

It took me a while to find a job in college. My one requirement was that it needed to be flexible enough to accommodate my class schedule. The problem was that every student was looking for those kinds of flexible jobs, and openings were few and far between.

I remember wishing I could simply write potential employers a personal note each time I filled out an application: I am a good worker. I will be on time and work hard. You will not regret hiring me!

When I was finally hired at a clothing store, I loved it. The camaraderie among the workers was fun; we even spent time together outside of work. I enjoyed helping customers feel beautiful by finding the perfect fit. I learned how to fold a shirt expertly. And I became really good at figuring out what my 40 percent off discount would be for an item.

Of course, there were challenges as well. Occasionally there was drama or cattiness among the employees. My feet ached after hours of standing. Customers could be unkind, and busy Saturdays could be stressful.

Initially, I was excited to get hired. But over time, the excitement waned. The truth is that no matter the job, we can always find reasons to be grateful—if we look for them.

Rarely is a job 100 percent negative or 100 percent positive. The decision to be grateful need not be based on circumstances that ebb and flow. Instead, when we willingly view our work as yet another way to honor God in all we do, we will recognize the more significant implications it has for building our character and providing opportunities to influence those around us. Asking questions—Who am I influencing for the better in this position? How do people see me praising God in the way I treat others?—can help us reframe our attitude. When we look for the good, we’ll find it. And when we do, we will be more likely to praise God for giving us the work of our hands to accomplish.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

List a few reasons you’re grateful for a job or other work you pursue.