Work?

What if we viewed work from the standpoint of service?  What if our jobs meant more to us than "what I need to get by on from month to month"?  What if we saw having a job and working everyday as a form of ministry...as a way to extend benevolence to others?  Would we think it was important then?  What ever happened to the concept of going to work so that our community, our neighborhood, our city, our church would be stronger? 

Why do we say things like "I only want 30 hours a week" when 40 would let you lease a place big enough to have someone stay with you for a while - you know get them on their feet.  But 30 is all YOU need.  Seems like 30 fits your life nicely - but that extra 10 hours might just be the thing that someone else needs FROM you.  Imagine if we saw our paychecks as a way to pour into someone else.  Would we work harder, longer?  WouId we be content with unemployment?  I don't know.... just a few thoughts.

Thank God for the people that see work from that point of view.  I think it to be honorable and Godly to say the least. 

My parents taught me that.  Dad told me when I was little to try and live like I were a big Oak tree in the middle of a desert that had roots that went deep - all the way down to water.  Then I could grow strong enough to provide shade and shelter to the wandering stranger in need - then I could be a good neighbor, father, husband, friend.  Good job Dad!  I owe you and so do all the people we have been able to help through the years.  Without that philosophy instilled in me - 30 might have been enough... enough for just me and no one else.