Sometimes we fall into the trap of believing that our day-to-day tasks are mundane.  If we look at what others are doing we begin to believe that the things that we are doing for a living, the tasks we do for our loved ones, or even as service to others in our free time aren’t important and don’t matter.  When we compare our lives to others’ lives, it seems we feel we are never quite as important or glamorous as they are.

Let’s face it, whether we’re doing laundry, taking out the garbage, or cleaning up a glass of spilled milk at home or making copies, sorting mail, or answering the phone at work, it all feels pretty menial.  But we need to remember that the ministry we are called to do is to serve those in our lives, both at home and at work.  So I encourage you to instead of feeling like your work isn’t important, find the good in the work you are given today.

If it is your job, learn the skills to do it well. If the only job you can get is being a greeter at Walmart, then be the best-darned greeter they have. Work with a smile. Greet customers with a friendly hello.  Pretty soon the boss will promote you or someone else will try to hire you away.  It doesn’t matter where you work or what you do, the principals still apply.  Do your work as though you were doing it for a king.  Because you are!

Every one of us is exactly where we are for a reason.  There is a lesson to be learned or an opportunity to be taken in every situation.  If we are so busy feeling sorry for ourselves or feeling bitter because we were looked over for a promotion, we’ll probably miss out on the lesson.  In Psalm 78:70-72, the Bible says that King David was called from the sheep pens where he cared for those sheep with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.  He did his work tending sheep as though he was doing it for the Lord.  From that job, he rose to be king of Israel when he was ready.  The point is, we should not treat our present situation lightly or irresponsibly, as it may very well be God’s training ground for your future calling.  

In this week’s episode of Reviving Your Soul (Now Longing for More), I tell the story of a time I hired a shoe salesman to be my key marketing person.  On paper, it didn’t make sense, but in reality, he was so outstanding at his current “menial” job, that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let him shine (like the pun??) in a position where he ultimately proved that his attitude was worthy of the hiring dozens of times over.  

So rather than getting frustrated that you aren’t where you think you should be, take a look around and appreciate where you are.  Who is there with you that may need some encouragement?  Or what can you master that can help you work your way to a different area of work?  If you can’t find a job you really want, is there one you can take to help you grow into something else?  Can you volunteer somewhere that will give you the skills you can transfer to your dream job someday?  

I truly believe that we are all created for a purpose.  We have a mission to fulfill.  To the person laying in a hospital bed, the person who brings a cup of water or empties their bedpan could be the most important person in their lives some days.  Few people will decide that either of those tasks would be their dream job, but I encourage you to take your focus off the task and put your focus on the person and the opportunity you have to help them in some small or not so small way.  Whether it is to give them a kind word or an encouraging smile, it could make the difference between them having a terrible day or having a really great day.  Honestly, that work is way more meaningful than some jobs that make ten ties that in salary.  So slow down.  See what is around you that needs to be done.  You are there for a reason. 

I really believe with a little perspective, we can all love the work we do, we can all fulfill our purpose, and if we choose to, we can create a life that matters.  I’d love to help you with that. If you want to know more about how I can help I’d love to visit.  If you know of someone who needs this message, please share it with them.  It could change everything for them.  So do it. Live in courageous faith. It truly will revive your soul!  

Haven’t listened to the podcast yet?  You can find it at longingformorepodcast.com too!