The Good News ~ May 30, 2024
Have you ever done a lot of work on something, but no one will ever notice?
Last weekend I worked hard to finish up some projects around the house. I rerouted downspout water runoff on both sides of the house. I installed three squirrel proof birdfeeders on 10 foot poles outside our family room windows. I laid about 70 bags of mulch in beds that needed some bare dirt covered. There were several more projects too small to mention. The point is that these projects took longer to finish and cost more than expected.
Like any project around the house, there were problems, mistakes, and difficulties along the way. I discovered that 4½ inch drain pipes are not compatible among manufacturers. I cut poles too short. A bag of mulch doesn’t go as far as it used to, and I had to buy more. There were multiple trips to the store to get what I needed and problems in the store as well. When it was all said and done, I added a few coins to the cuss jar.
I tried to explain my work to a friend, but he really couldn’t see hours, sweat and tears, frustration, and money I spent. All he saw was some nice landscaping and some nice birdfeeders. That’s all I saw as well…but I WORKED SO HARD!!!
When we do work and no one notices we can feel resentful, unappreciated, and angry. So much work gets done because of unsung heroes all around us at church, at work, at home, and in our country. Memorial Day reminded us of the fact most of the men and women in the military who died in the service will never be fully appreciated for what they did for their fellow citizens. Be thankful for them even though you’ll never know what they’ve done.
Paul writes to the church members Colossae, “Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans…”(Col. 3:23). Do work for the Lord as if your soul depends on it. That’s a different way to think about our work. Strive to do your work not to please other people but do your work to please God. People will let you down with their appreciation, but God loves what you do when you use your gifts and talents he gave you to help others.
So use your gifts and talents to Christ’s purposes. Do it as if your soul depends on it as for the Lord, not for humans.
