Work should never be passionless, pointless or just something we do for payday. The reality is, though, that oftentimes we do our jobs, day in and day out, hoping that we have achieved what we most wanted to do … make a difference.
Last week I had a pay-off day, that is still paying dividends this week.
A letter handed to me, by a senior student made my day. His typed words were confirmations that I had managed to accomplish what I had most hoped … and I am still smiling.
The thing is, no matter what job we do, it is not a regular experience that our good efforts get noticed. We complete our tasks, go the extra mile, give our all and can often be left with just a paycheque in the end.
Don’t get me wrong, payday is a very good day, but there are other methods of payment that last much longer and are received with more delight than a direct deposit paycheque.
Such was my letter from a student.
Years ago, when I taught a work experience program, I always started the program by teaching the following verse:
“Don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance.” Colossians 3:23-24
This verse is a good focus for those more common, regular days, when we don’t receive the pat on the back, the raise in pay, the ‘well done’ from our boss, or the letter from a student/client. It reminds us that our purpose is higher, that our calling and our ultimate boss is the one who placed our gifts and abilities with us.
itsawonderfilledlife 