Whatever You Do...

 A thought struck me as I read the oft repeated advice, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I wondered what if, instead of doing what you love, you learn to love what you do? We all have tasks and responsibilities that we don’t love. In fact, I probably have more everyday chores that I heartily dislike than ones I love. But what if I taught myself to love them? What if I focused on some aspect of that job that made me glad to be doing it? Or maybe glad to be able to do it? Or maybe glad someone else doesn’t have to do it? I’ve tried to put that into practice lately and I’m sort of amazed at how much better that makes, say, vacuuming. I used to focus on the repetitive nature of it. You know, why am I doing this, it’s just going to get dirty again tomorrow?

These days, especially after seeing the devastation wrought by hurricanes, I’m just thankful to have something to vacuum; thankful that I can clean up with a small device, not a front loader or shovel. I’m glad to be able to take care of my house as I know many people who no longer can. I’m glad to spare the others in my family from one more chore. Does that mean I love housework? Well, not exactly, but I’m working on it. And I love it more than I did. I remember to focus on the satisfaction, not the effort. I think of the people I’m doing it for who may or may not appreciate it but will benefit from it. But most importantly, I can focus on the fact I’m doing this one little thing in obedience to God. It’s a privilege to be given a part, no matter how small, in serving the creator of the universe.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father in Him. Colossians 3:17 NIV