Work

Work

Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Colossians 3:23

Three bricklayers were hired to help build St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. A curious bystander approached them and asked what they were doing. The first bricklayer responded, “I’m laying bricks—I’m making money!” The second bricklayer said, “I’m laying bricks—I’m a third-generation bricklayer. My grandpa was a bricklayer, my dad was a bricklayer, and now I’m a bricklayer too!” The third bricklayer, who had the bigger picture in mind, stepped back, looked up, and responded, “I’m assisting Sir Christopher Wren in building a great cathedral!”

Perhaps some of us can relate to those bricklayers. If a bystander came along and asked us what we were doing, we could respond, “I’m changing diapers and feeding a baby.” Or, “I’m driving my kids all over town to their activities!” But a mom who has the bigger picture in mind might reply, “I’m assisting God in raising a young man or a young woman who will grow up to love and obey him.”

When we complain about the drudgery of changing diapers or chauffeuring kids across town, we may have lost sight of the bigger picture. Oh, that we could step back and say, “I’m assisting God in raising my child to be a future leader!”

Father,

It’s easy to lose the big picture, especially on a hectic day. Please help us to honor you as we raise our children. In the strong name of Jesus, amen.