Integrity in Your WorkplaceSample

Joy In The Work

Reading

Ecclesiastes 3:22(a) [NLT] "So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life."

Reflection

I’ve long been a volunteer swimming referee. No pay, just the joy of seeing children do well and helping them to do better. One summer, as I watched my country’s Olympic trials on TV, I saw one official who once trained and mentored me as a swimming official.

And you know what? Amidst all those great swimmers, she had joy and everyone could see it! But what the viewers did not know is she also has the same joy with little swimmers – kids just starting out with faraway Olympic dreams. You see, she puts joy in the work – whatever the task.

Putting joy in the workplace can be hard at times. There is the cranky coworker. The customer with unlimited complaints. There’s even the boss or coach who thinks you made the wrong call. You can think the whole world is against you, and it is easy to get depressed.

But God wants you to put joy in the work you do. He created you for work. So, take time to rejoice in what you do.

And today, when everything comes flying at you and you just want to scream, think of how God wants you to put joy in the work He creates for you. After all, God takes joy in your work, so you should reach for the Joy of our Heavenly Father when things come fast and furious.

Today at work, be like my mentor and put joy in the work – whatever the task.

It is your lot in life!

Prayer

Lord, help me put joy in the work I do today – no matter how large or small, major or minor my tasks may be. And help me be like You, Lord – loving those around me who struggle to find Your Joy. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.

Kevin Cooney