Category Archives: work
Odd Jobs
HighCalling Blogs is hosting a meme about odd jobs and what you’ve learned from them. I opted out because I didn’t think I’ve had any unusual employments. Sure, I’ve worked in fast food, factories and office administration, but those jobs hardly qualify as unusual. It’s not like standing around for hours in the name of science or doing anything that requires a gas mask. I’ve never been paid to sift through garbage or sniff flatulence. So, I decided to skip this group writing activity. But then Heather tagged me, so now I don’t have a choice.
Here are the rules:
1. Write a post about some strange job you’ve had and what you learned from it.
2. Link to other “Lessons from Odd Jobs” posts around the highcallingblogs.com network, or quote them in your post with proper attribution. This isn’t a requirement, but it’s a fun way to get people moving around the network and reading each other.
3. Tag your post “lessons from odd jobs”—if you use technorati tags or another form of meta-tags.
4. Tag other bloggers by linking to them in your post and inviting them to participate in the meme. Tag as many people as you like—we’re not limiting this just to people in the network!
5. Link back to Lessons from Odd Jobs in your post and email this month’s host at “Marcus AT highcallingblogs DOT com”.
The trick to this meme is defining “odd.” Is it rare or just unusual? I’ve had two unusual jobs that taught me much the same thing. Millions of people around the world have one or both of these jobs, so they’re not rare titles, but they are unusual.
Being a missionary is definitely odd. First of all, you have to work your tail off to raise the money you’ll work to receive later when you finally get to the field. Once you get there, the schedule is largely unpredictable and often dictated by others. As a missionary in Bosnia, I spent two weeks doing construction of playground equipment, one week distributing food, at least two weeks distributing clothes and school supplies, three weeks teaching English at random times, and the rest of my time trying to navigate the local government and the UNHCR without endangering myself or my hosts. My “work” consisted of drinking coffee (very STRONG Turkish coffee), trying to absorb a language (without a translator), being transported in tanks by French soldiers … oh, and working with two Korean women (one of whom did not speak English) to lay the foundations for a church in an extremely Muslim region. While in French-speaking Switzerland I worked alongside “American” boarding schools with students from Japan, China, Greece, Africa, Germany and the Russian mafia. What languages did I study in school? Um, Spanish and Hebrew. No one spoke those. Nor was anyone fluent in American Sign Language.
The job of “stay-at-home mom” is just as difficult to pin down. At least most of us speak English in this house. Although, my kids are learning Spanish and Mandarin Chinese from TV. (Where was Ni Hao, Kai-Lan when I went to Switzerland?) The schedule, however, is just as crazy. I think I’m in control, but with two constant interrupters, I am often at the mercy of their moods and needs. Being a mother is definitely weird. My perpetual age is somewhere between 19 and 25, so that may contribute to my perception. Or maybe it’s just that I never imagined this being my full-time job. Or maybe it’s because this is the only job where statements like “Take that out of your nose.” and “We don’t hang things from penises.” are perfectly in context and frequently repeated. I spent an entire week working with my daughter’s pronunciation of one word. Unfortunately, my efforts accomplished little, so we forced her to say “Happy Easter” instead of “Happy ‘erection Day.” (Now, if she would just stop singing the “Shake, Rattle and Roll” resurrection song.) And what other occupation requires one to do a happy dance with each successful bowel movement?
So, what have I learned from these odd jobs? God is in everything. He’s all around us. He wants to be with us and talk to us; delight in us and challenge us. It doesn’t matter where you are, what language you speak or how mundane your tasks may seem, God is there waiting for you to meet with Him. Sitting under a canopy of grapes next to a bullet-riddled home, drinking the thickest coffee in the world, I learned to listen. I listened to the hurting hearts around the table (which was little more than a crate). I listened to their stories, their dreams, and in listening to them, I heard God. He showed me how to help them, how to serve Him and how to see me. The same thing happens when I listen to my kids. They have taught me so much about myself and the relationship God desires to have with His children. It’s amazing what we hear when we ditch the schedule and just listen.
All right, now it’s your turn. What have you learned from your oddest jobs? I’m required to tag someone, so Dale, Beverly and Karen — You’re IT.
Frustration vs. Procrastination
“I think of Joseph, whom Hannah and I are studying in homeschool. When he was given disappointments and hardships that we can’t even imagine, in the end he looked the ones who were responsible in the face and said that God meant it for good, and it was okay because of that. Beyond that, I am constantly convicted by something I heard David Jeremiah say on the radio recently. That if we’re fatigued, if we’re frustrated, or if we’re failing, then we are trying to do it in our own strength. That made me mad at first, but I eventually saw that it was absolutely true, and I had to give up control back to Him if I was going to get anywhere.”
I’ve complained much of frustration lately. When I asked a friend to pray for me, this was the response she sent me. This entire week I’ve not felt frustrated, but credit is not due to my friend’s wonderful admonition. The reason I feel less weary is simply this: procrastination. I’m not stressed over how to spend my time or my energies because I’m wasting it all. I’ve been drowning myself (and my time) in novels. Not that there is anything wrong with reading!! Wow – I would never even think such a thing! But if reading keeps me from fulfilling grander purposes; if it supersedes what should be a higher priority, isn’t that a problem?
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” — Colossians 3:23 (NAS)
In other words, we are to give our very best; we are to work with passion and tireless ambition, no matter what we do. I think of this verse whenever I tackle a less than glamorous chore. Like dishes. I hate doing the dishes. But reading! I love to read! I will gladly read with all my strength and all my time. But is that the work I’ve been called to do?
It’s still my choice.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galations 6:9 (NIV)
Finding Rest
God promises us rest. He calls the weak and weary to come to Him. He tells us His burden is light and His yoke is easy; if we trust in Him, our burdens will be lifted and we will have rest. How great is that?
Unfortunately, I know the Scripture but my body doesn’t believe it. I’m exhausted! It has been two years since I have slept consistently. I’m tired of dealing with screaming kids and messes and laundry. I’m tired of giving to everyone and running everywhere and never getting a day off. Where is this rest? The blessing of children has forever changed my life (not to mention my body) and zapped whatever relaxation that may have previously existed. I know God gives us rest, but I sure don’t feel it.
How about you? Do you feel rested?
We know God never lies; His Word is fully true. So, how do we find His rest? We have a million and one things to do every day. People depend on us, but we can’t provide what they need if our own needs are not being met. And we need the rest God offers. How do we get it? We make room for it.
The problem starts with expectations. We believe people expect us to be the best at everything. We’ve got to have the best job, maintain the cleanest, most comfortable home, have the happiest spouse and the best-behaved children. We need to be involved in our church and our community and our kids’ schools. We’ve got to keep up with friends and family members, always being thoughtful and encouraging. And don’t forget the finances. It’s our job to be thrifty and wise with the money, getting the best deals on everything.
Guess what – none of this is what God expects from us. God expects us to love Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds. That’s it. Nothing more; nothing less. We don’t have to DO anything. We just have to be madly and deeply in love with Him.
The reason we don’t find rest in Him is because we are too busy living up to other expectations. We over-commit ourselves. We fill our lives with things that we don’t need – all the while sacrificing what we do need: rest in God.
We have to make time for it. Perhaps this means giving up a ministry that has you too stressed. Or spending more money on groceries so you can enjoy time reading God’s Word instead of cutting coupons. Maybe it means letting the laundry sit so you can curl up with a movie or a great book while the kids nap. I’m not suggesting we slack off on our responsibilities – only that we get our priorities straight. God must come first, so we need to make time for Him. Whatever will help you — a devotional, a babysitter, a change in thinking — whatever it is, find it. Go out of your way to make room for God’s rest. You won’t believe how good it feels.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30
Proverbs 31
For as long as the words have been inscribed, women have been encouraged and challenged by Proverbs 31. This one chapter describes the perfect woman of God. I often get frustrated reading about her. She is excellent in every way. She is creative and crafty, a world-class chef, an entrepreneur and a good business woman. She works night and day, is charitable, hospitable, optimistic and takes great care of her house and everyone in it. Her children and her husband adore her. She is respected by all and she fears the Lord. It’s a mighty standard to meet! Recently while reading this portion of Scripture one verse stuck out more than all the rest. It’s funny because I had never noticed it before.
“What, O my son?
And what, O son of my womb?
And what, O son of my vows?”
I had to laugh. Even this perfect woman of God, the one we all aspire to be, was occasionally exasperated. This one verse made me feel so much better! There are times I respond to our children with a “What? What? What??” I love the thought that perhaps our Proverbs 31 woman faced the same exhaustion and frustration so many parents feel today.
The verse quoted above is verse 2. Only one verse precedes it, and that is a simple introduction: “The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him.” In other words, the first thing Lemuel’s mother said was “What”.
This brings me to another verse: James 1:19: “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.”
Our example of a godly woman did not start with “Don’t touch this …” or “Stop doing that …” She may have been frustrated; she may have been weary, but she did not start with instruction. She started with a question. She chose to listen first.
I can almost hear her take a deep breath between verse 2 and 3. This mother was full of patience even when her strength was nearly gone. Yes, she may have been tired, but she stopped just long enough to regain perspective. She didn’t get angry. She listened first then spoke. And when she spoke … wow.
She goes beyond answering her son’s questions. She goes beyond giving him instruction. She gives him wise counsel in a way he can remember. If we look at the Hebrew text (Don’t be impressed – I remember very little from my college Hebrew classes!) we notice that verses 10 through 31 are alphabetical, each one starting with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Our righteous example was a mother who took the time to not only give her children the knowledge they needed, but to give it to them in a way they would understand. What a wise and wonderful woman!
Once again … encouragement and a challenge. Parents, know you’re not alone. Your job is hard and frustrating; it’s exhausting, but this time is fleeting. Take a deep breath. Teach your children what they need to know in a way they will remember. I love songs and hands-on projects. Some of the best learning times we’ve had with the kids have been through music and motion. Oh, I’ve got a long way to go. I forget to take that deep breath far too often. I speak before I listen. I am full of faults … but with God’s help and the example He has given us here, perhaps one day my children will rise up and call me blessed. Toward that end I will persevere.
All Scripture taken from the New American Standard Version.
Hitting the Mark
Do you ever wonder how silly we look trying to prove we’re good enough for God? We work and pray and give; we strive and struggle, but always miss the mark. We never get it precisely right, yet for some reason, we keep trying to do it on our own. Scripture tells us “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The next verse explains we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” This clearly explains we miss the mark and salvation is only offered through the free gift of God’s grace. In spite of this truth, we keep trying to earn God’s grace. Instead of asking for help, we dig in our heels and try again. We think we’re getting closer, but we’ll never get close enough. This morning I got a glimpse of God’s perspective of us: hopelessly imperfect people striving to be slightly better.
The kids were taking a bath. Isabel hates having water on her face or anywhere near it. I’m accustomed to the little fit she consistently throws when it’s time to wash her hair. This morning was a little different. She decided she wanted to wash it by herself.
“Okay. You can try.” I watched patiently. Very slowly and very carefully, Isabel held a tiny cup at arm’s length, cinched her eyes tight and poured out the cup. “You missed, honey. Do you want some help?”
“No, Mama. I do it.”
“Okay, well, you gotta get your hair wet, remember?”
“Yes, Mama.” She moved the cup a little closer. This time she soaked her knee. “Not quite …” She kept trying and trying and just never hit the mark. She did finally get her ear a little damp, but it still wasn’t good enough. She needed help – just like we need help.
There is no point in any good thing we do unless we give all the glory to God. If we think for even a moment that He is impressed by our goodness, we are grossly mistaken. Furthermore, if we feel we can ever meet perfection by our own efforts, we are condemned. Salvation is found only in faith in the grace of God, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf.
So, put away your pride! Destroy any notions of self-righteousness. Good deeds will not earn you a ticket to heaven or even a better seat when you get there. “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom. 3:10) Instead praise Him for His grace and mercy. Praise Him for hitting the mark for us.
Another Little Thing
It’s been a rough week. Zachary’s molars started breaking through, so he’s been miserable with fever and pain. On top of that, the eczema on his hands flared up again, getting infected. He hasn’t slept well. Translation: WE haven’t slept well. I am tired, sore, sleep-deprived and emotionally exhausted.
Some days being a parent seems like too much work. I get tired of being nice and loving and nurturing. Some days I would rather be selfish. I would love to drop the kids off with their real parents so I can hit the movies or walk aimlessly around the city. Then I remember: I am the real parent.
On other days I am reminded exactly why I longed to be a mom in the first place: those little things that make all the difference. This morning Zach wasn’t feeling his best. He started crying and fussing with a stinky diaper. I changed him, lifted him off the table and gave him a kiss. He threw his arm around my neck and said, “Thank you, Mom.” I melted. It is amazing how such a little thing can make all those weary, endless nights disappear.
Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galations 6:9
Weary Without Praise
Moms are notoriously underappreciated; as are spouses, pastors and missionaries. Too many families serve up broiled pastor every Sunday. Missionaries are often only worthy of our leftovers. And if your spouse can’t keep the house clean or come to dinner on time, well, then it’s just not worth serving dessert, is it? You are probably expecting me to give a summation of how we should show appreciation for all those around us; how we need to give praise and encouragement more freely. I won’t argue with that, but it is not where I’m going today. I am more concerned with the attitudes of the underappreciated.
This is one of my biggest struggles. As a stay-at-home mom, I often feel over-looked and under-valued. I carry no fancy title. There is no visible productivity. I am not bringing home a paycheck and at the end of the week I have no tangible signs of progress. What am I doing every day? Oh, I know this is an important job – one of the most important jobs; but the recognition is not there. This is not a profession respected in our society. When my kids are having a bad day, I am the one getting dirty looks in the grocery store. It doesn’t matter how wonderful they may be the rest of the year, that one fit in aisle seven cements the judgments of every shopper who hears the screams.
It is human nature to crave praise. We want to be told how good we are. At the same time, it is contrary to our nature to give praise. So we are a people longing to hear how good we are, but reluctant to tell anyone else how good they are. This is a predicament.
The solution: Cling to Galations 6:9. We must persevere in doing good. It is hard and it makes us weary, but we must press on because a reward is waiting for us. If we give up on hard days, we will never see the harvest; we will never reap the benefits of our work. It is in this harvest that we will receive our praise.
Sometimes Ellie and Zach will pounce on me with praise, usually at the prompting of their father. Those moments are the most precious. It is then that all my sleepless nights and frustration-filled days are erased. In those moments I am overcome with gratitude for this “job.” I am humbled. And I am reminded not to give up because the harvest is yet to come. Their little showers of praise are nothing compared to the flood of blessings that God has in store for those who follow this verse. Can you imagine? Little seeds … tender care … persistence.
Do not grow weary, my friend. Do not give up. Continue to do good, even when no one seems to notice. Do not wait on praise or measure your performance against the recognition. Saturate this world with your good deeds. I’ll see you at the harvest party.
To Survive or Glorify?
Today is one of those days. My to-do list is a mile long and the kids are in a mood. I’ve handed out ten spankings and it’s only 9am. An appointment has slipped my mind until the last moment. I shower, dress, pack the diaper bag and get the kids in the car in fifteen minutes flat. Not bad – right? Except now I’m harried and rushed and simply cannot find a moment to regroup. All I can think about is how my socks don’t match. I remember the luxury of make-up. Ahh … those were the days! Back to normal life: There is nothing like lunch with over-tired toddlers and picky eaters. My white T-shirt (my last resort, worn only on laundry day) now has red jello marks all over the shoulder, and my lap smells like urine (not mine). I finally get the kids down for a nap; then, discover they have locked me out of the bathroom. This is my day.
Now, you’re probably expecting me to say something profound about God giving us rest and all the strength we need to survive each day. I will not refute that – He most certainly does! But today a different verse is on my mind: 1 Corinthians 10:31.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (NAS)
We do a lot of singing in our house. We have a song for just about every occasion. We sing the hymn “Stand Up for Jesus” nearly every day when prompting the kids to stand up to get dressed, get out of the bath, get off the floor in a store … We have a good morning song (compliments of VeggieTales). We sing a ton of choruses and kid songs all throughout the day. We even have a clean-up song (thanks to Laurie Berkner) that we sing whenever putting toys away.
The other night, as we were straightening the living room before bed, Isabel took the initiative to start our song. She sang loudly: “Clean up! Clean up for Jesus!” She had combined two of our usuals to make a whole new song.
This is what is on my mind today. She was cleaning up for Jesus. She was thinking (and singing!) of Him as she did her little mundane task of putting away her toys.
God doesn’t want us to simply survive our days here on Earth. He wants us to glorify Him through every moment of our lives. He is longing for us to drive to appointments for Him; to change diapers for Him; to go to work and stare at a computer for 9 hours … all with the purpose of glorifying Him. This life must be survived, there is no doubt. But there is much more to it than just survival.
Let me encourage you today: Clean your house for Jesus. Wash your car for Christ. Be nice to your boss for God. In all that you do, be it at home or elsewhere, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t live today just to survive; live it to glorify.
He’s not done with us.
We recently drove to North Carolina to celebrate our nephew’s first birthday. About forty minutes into the trip home, Zachary started fussing. I turned around to face the backseat. “What’s wrong, Zach?”
He threw up his arms in the sign for ‘finished’ and yelled, “Done!” Zachary had had enough and he wanted us to know so. Unfortunately, we still had ten hours to go before reaching home.
This trip was our third long venture since the end of May. Since getting our minivan, we’ve gone to Virginia Beach, Indiana and now North Carolina. In a couple weeks we will be embarking on yet another. This time to Kentucky and Tennessee.
Many have called us ‘brave’ traveling so far with such young tots. At thirteen and thirty-one months, our kids could spell disaster. They’re actually very good. They entertain themselves with books and games; toys and snacks. Of course, the dvd player helps significantly after the first few hours of novelty wear off. And, of course, there are the never-ending questions … “Are we there yet?” “We’re getting closer – right?” “Are we catching Grandma?” “Daddy, where we going? You driving?” “Mama’s turn drive yet?” It’s not always easy, but we survive.
The reason for all these trips does not stem from masochistic natures. Nor is it because we love spending hours upon hours trapped in the car. We do it because we must. With family in seven states, travel is a necessity. We tried flying – with disastrous results. So we drive pretty much everywhere.
Life is filled with things that we must do. We don’t always have a choice. There are many times I find myself throwing up my arms like Zachary. “I’m done!” I don’t want to deal anymore. I’m tired and certainly tired of the ‘have-to’s. Do you ever feel that way? Sure, you do. Everybody does. So, how do we get through it? The author of Hebrews tells us.
“…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12: 1-3
Even when we are “done”, we still have not faced even a portion of what Christ went through to grant us salvation. I’m not saying life is easy. It’s not! But it could be so much worse.
But don’t just remember the suffering of Christ. Remember, too, His power, His goodness and His love. All of these are at your disposal, if you have placed your faith in Him. If we keep our eyes on Him, we will not grow weary because we will constantly be facing His strength. We will be looking into the eyes of our Savior, recognizing all that He has done and all that He continues to do for, in and through us. We will not be saying “I’m done!” Instead we will say “Give me more!”
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” — Hebrews 10:35-36
God has so much He wants to give us. It doesn’t stop at salvation. He wants to give us wisdom and strength, joy and faith and peace and love. He wants to give us life abundant. Life like we have never known. We will miss it all when we throw up our hands.
Fix your eyes on Jesus, my friend. Don’t just glance at Him. Fix your eyes! Get them focused so that you may see Him in all His wonder and glory. Don’t let them move away from His face. I want you to be blessed. I want you to receive all that He has promised! Get your eyes stuck and persevere. Run with me! God’s not done with us yet.
