My last job was not one
that I thought it would be. I had great hopes for it. The description on paper
sounded better than it was when all was said and done and with my pay cut in
half from my previous job I wondered why I had taken the job in the first
place. I did not like going to work and could not figure out why I was there and why this was the only job I could get.
Looking back, I can see
God's hand in it all and some reasons and conversations. Looking back, I wish I
would have embraced the situation more and gone to work with more of a positive
attitude and with the joy of the Lord. I read Ephesians 6:10-18 each day, as
each day was a personal battle to get there. To work with these people. The
people who asked if I felt I did not have to work as hard because I was
pregnant. The people who randomly threw a co-worker and I a baby shower, even
though I hardly knew them. These people who showed up and came to work with my
same attitude of not wanting to be there.
I told people I would
pray for them and I would. I tried to give encouragement. I wanted to be
different and let God do his thing as he does but I did not let him. I let frustration
and anger subtly win the battle. I stayed quiet in the break room and read. I
was caught up in my own issues instead of looking outward at others.
I have talked to a lot of people over the past few years and it seems like the same rings true for them, as well, which breaks my heart. Somewhere along the
line, these people who share the same office space and employer become enemies
and annoyances. Your adversary. The person whose work slack you have to pick
up. The person who is so negative and you get to hear it daily with possible
play by plays scattered throughout your shift. The person whom you have come to
despise.
But you listen. You will
listen to them boast and brag and enjoy the short coming and failures and maybe
even relish in them.
Jesus said to love your
enemies as yourself.
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6: 27-28.
I pray that if you find
yourself in a work situation that seems hopeless, that you would ask God for
guidance and seek wise council (Proverbs 12:15) to stay or to go. To make a difference. For him to change the hearts of your co-works but more importantly, yours. To be present both physically and mentally for them. To offer second changes. That you would seek out ways to serve them. Bringing coffee to your cubical buddy or some yummy donuts for the office or a compliment to that person who seems hopeless.
I pray that you would be the change
you want to see in the your co-workers. That you would rise above the words and
harsh reprimand and exchange them for love and kindness. I pray that your words
would speak truth in to their lives because most likely they do not know Jesus,
really know him. They need your love and encouragement, even if they do not
want to admit or acknowledge it.
Your life is your
testimony. Your actions are reflections of your heart. Your words can start a
revolution. You can be the transformation.
I pray you enjoy the location God
has strategically placed you in for such a time as this. Your personal mission
field. Look for opportunities to do good.
Maybe you find yourself
out of the work place, as well. I pray that you would encourage and build up
those around you who are. That you would help them see the significance of
their placement and the blessing of their employment. You cannot fight the
battle for them but you can pray. Perhaps even make a small gift for them to share.
Here's to less conflict and more gratefulness. Less negativity and more compliments. More unity and laughter at the water cooler.
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