working

Sometimes, life just doesn’t seem fair. We work and work and work and seemingly can’t catch a break. Sometimes, we go through life thinking that it just doesn’t matter what I do–I’m never going to get ahead. We might be working long hours. We might be working two or more jobs. We might be working and going to school to get ahead. We might simply be struggling with balancing home and work life. After a while, all this work and no play creates an unbelievable amount of stress in our lives. I know there were times in my life when I struggled with many of those issues. I questioned why I worked so hard for seemingly little reward. Sometimes, it seemed like it would be easier to simply quit and give up and stop treading water, but I kept on going anyway. If you have ever felt that way or currently feel this way, I encourage you to continue on your journey.

Several months ago, I decided to drive by the very first house I can remember our family living in when I was a young child. I am not sure why I wanted to do that but for some reason I was just in the mood to think back on my childhood. I managed to drive by this small, brick home with so many great memories. What immediately struck me was this huge pink blossom tree in the front yard. I don’t even know what type of tree it was; perhaps a dogwood or pink dogwood. Nonetheless, I distinctly remembered my dad planting this tree probably over 45 years ago. I remembered watching him plant that small sapling on that particular day all those years ago and now it was a strong, blossoming tree towering over the front yard. It so reminded me of Galatians 6:9 when it speaks of letting us not lose heart in doing good for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

I am sure that little tree endured through many terrible winters and hot summers, but it endured. It took years and years for it to grow into the beautiful tree that now graces that yard, but the beauty is now there for others to enjoy. What was planted years ago is now more breathtaking than ever.

In my life, I have learned to focus less on the short-term and more on what God’s purpose is for my life. If I focus on His purpose and the long-term goal, I am not as concerned with short term setbacks. Instead of looking at setbacks as road blocks, they become merely stepping stones to the larger purpose. Just because I don’t see an immediate reward for what I am doing doesn’t mean there isn’t a benefit. It just may mean that I need to endure and keep moving on and the reward may come later, sometimes in ways I could never imagine.

As you think about your day, your life, and your purpose—don’t grow weary. Who would have thought that an innocent sapling planted over 50 years ago would have reminded me of such a Godly promise? Keep moving on and don’t be discouraged and you will reap in due time.

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I spend a lot of time in my car. Unfortunately, my commute to work each day is about 80 miles round trip. In some ways, I enjoy the commute. It allows me time to gear up for my day at work, or gear down on my way home in the evenings. It also gives me some time to myself to think about the topic for the day, whatever that might be. In other ways, I dislike the commute. The wear and tear on my car is great. The aggravation of traffic is unbearable some days. However, the bottom line is I try to make the most of my particular commuting challenges.

During one of my commutes the other day I was noticing how many different types of cars there were on the road, most with only one driver. As I traveled down the miles of Interstate, I saw sports cars and pick-up trucks. I saw motorcycles and tractor-trailers. I saw new cars just off the showroom floor and an old clunker just hoping to make it to the next exit. Each car had a different style and different look. I wondered where they all might be driving? I suspect most were going to work; others maybe on vacation; and others to see family or friends.

After about an hour of driving, I finally arrived at my office. The parking lot was full, as usual, of cars of different styles, colors, shapes, and sizes. It suddenly became obvious to me that each of the vehicles represented a different person, coming from different locations, in a different style vehicle, but all to the same destination—-our office. Despite all the differences, there was one common denominator and that was our place of employment. Once every employee was in the building and began working, it really didn’t matter how they got there. The distance they traveled or the color of their vehicle, or even the route they took, made no difference. The point was that they were there and all working together to make our jobs easier.

How refreshing it is to remind ourselves occasionally that our relationship with Christ is no different. We all come from different backgrounds. We all have different “vehicles” when describing our God-given strengths and weaknesses. Some of us might be outgoing; others shy. Some of us might be great at organizing; others unorganized. Some of us might be compassionate; others less so. Some of us might love the Arts; others the great Outdoors. The style of our “vehicle” doesn’t matter to God.

We also all come from different “routes.” Some of us come from broken homes; others have great families. Others have more formal education; others learn from life itself. Some of us have overcome great adversity; others have yet to face a lot of adversity.

The type of “vehicle” we use in life or the “route” we take in life, to this point, doesn’t matter to God, as long as we arrive at the same location—-the Foot of the Cross.

Where do you see yourself today? If you feel like you’re not worthy to be accepted by Christ, or that you’ve taken the wrong path to follow Christ—-you’re mistaken. Christ will accept you no matter who you are or what you’ve done. All you have to do is ask and believe.

Having Faith Not To Grow Weary

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The Winding Highway To Somewhere

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