Worship

Last year my boss, the principal of our school, nominated me for an award as an outstanding teacher.

There was a dinner I was to attend. Nominees from schools throughout our district would be there, the award announced, but I didn’t go.

I didn’t believe I was anyone special.

A few weeks later he insisted I go to a school board meeting. I thought he wanted me to talk about one of the programs at our school, but it was so he could tell the board and local cable access he nominated me for that award, and he handed me a certificate of some sort.

I had a great year last year. I went to work early, stayed late. I had a bounce in my step, and I repeatedly told everyone: “I can’t believe I get paid for this!”

I believe it pleases God for me to do well, and enjoy, the work He has given me.

It is easy to get off track. It is easy to let things in life affect a person and get discouraged about many things. I sometimes do that, get off track.

But when one is really doing one’s job, really working, it can be an act of worship.

Last year I felt joy in my work that was a lot like the feeling I get when I see something especially beautiful. I’m sure you know the feeling. It also feels like love, and, well, gladness. Feelings like that are a God thing.

I think we were designed to work.

Adam was.

When God created Adam He didn’t go straight on to create Eve. He put Adam to work.

How long did Adam look at this world of the Creator’s? How long did it take him to explore and study and name all there was?

God even put work ahead of creating a mate for the first man.

God Himself worked (Genesis 1). Jesus worked (Mark 6:3).

I think that when we do less than we should at our work, we are missing out on the opportunity to worship God with our hands, with our lives.

Just a thought.