Every morning I get up knowing that there are things I will need to do this and every day. I have disciplines that I want to follow, choices needing my decision, family relationships requiring nurture, and, usually, work. Growing up I knew that whatever my feelings or state of mind were, I had to face the challenge of getting things done. I am thankful for the teaching and nurture in this approach. Getting results focused one on decisions I needed to make, but the process raises several problems.
Where does my efforts begin when God is in the picture? Where does my work end? I agree strongly with Paul, “If you’re a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don’t call your wages a gift.” (Romans 4.4) What are the results of my work, outcomes and rewards? Do I know who or what drives the process?
As obvious as the answer is to some, it is not to me! The answer came in a simple response from God – Sabbath Rest. Stick with me and I will try to explain.
Sabbath is a special gift created at the same time as humanity, birds, and the world. God did everything in the formation of this special time, though I do wonder what Adam and Eve thought as they watched the event! God created and gave us this Peace as a holy time that He would dedicate himself to; revitalizing our souls, bringing each of us into His nurture, celebrating the love and grace that defines who He is. We did not have much to do with it other than being the recipients of this special gift!
So where does this leave work? Work is in its special place six days a week, waiting for our attention, and giving us the opportunity to show the world what God is like. Work is what we do to show others what God is like. Relationship, the journey, and acceptance are God gifts to us that we cannot earn and deserve only because of who He is.
