A few days ago I was at the Walnut Cafe while my car was being worked on. I was sitting by myself towards the back, near one part of the kitchen where I think their dishwashers and coffeemakers are located. While eating and reading through that week's edition of The Economist, I overheard one of the kitchen staff speaking with a waitress. He was telling the waitress about his financial difficulties and the various jobs he worked to make ends meet. When asked if he was going to be working a full shift that day, he told the other staffer yes, and that "I need my hours." This set in my mind a quick thought of my own financial circumstances how God had worked in my life through individuals, circumstances and His Word to put me where I am today. I am incredibly blessed to be both debt-free and living a life that could be financed with part-time work. Yet despite this, I am not always grateful for the blessings God has bestowed on me. One area in particular that has long been a problem is my job.
Those of you who know me know that I have a rocky relationship with my job. It's ok overall, but there are a number of things I don't like about it and there have been a few times where I've been disgusted with decisions made by the owners. Needless to say, the thought of quitting has come up on occasion. And yet, over the years God has been working in me through this job and showing me that it is a blessing, in spite of whatever petty grievances I may have about it. He has also shown me, particularly over the last few months, how He has been working through me to bless some of my coworkers. As I inch closer to some major life changes, I can see now that God has been working through my job to prepare me for the next phase of my life and beyond. At some point in the future I will leave this job, but I can honestly say that I am better man because of it.
My job is a blessing. Even if it had more of those things I disdain it would still be a blessing. It comes from God, just like every other blessing; from the standard of living I enjoy to every last breath He allows me to take. How can I not thank Him?
