Heart Choices: 2015-08-30 -->

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How Do You View Your Work on This Labor Day?


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Happy Labor Day! What does this holiday mean to you? An extra day off work? A day to get together with friends and family to barbecue? A day to sleep late?

I googled it and arrived at the United States Department of Labor website. This is a quote I found to explain what Labor Day means.  

"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

So we are to celebrate the achievements of American workers. I've been privileged to work in two different professions. Both of these professions consist of people who have dedicated their lives to helping others; nursing and teaching.

As a cardiac nurse, I had the opportunity to work with patients who for the most part were typically older. I enjoyed a wonderful relationship working with Dr. Scott Robertson, a cardiologist, for the last ten years of my nursing career. We worked hard but we loved what we were doing! And I have to say ...we made a great team.


I retired for about ten years but continued to 'work' in nonpaying jobs. I worked as a community manager for my husband's technology company. I volunteered to teach children in Bible Study Fellowship for seven years.

When I unexpectedly had to return to full time work I ended up in teaching. For a woman who always wanted children but couldn't have them, it was the perfect place for me to be. There's something very healing being surrounded by preschool children when going through a difficult transition in life.



When I work with my Mini-Mustang class, I'm totally focused on them. It may be hard work especially when I'm constantly having to squat down to their level. But it's good exercise at this point in my life. I have no time to feel sorry for myself, that's for sure. 

The bottom line for me is this. I choose to work at whatever I do with all my heart. I'm thankful for the jobs I've been able to do. I'm thankful for the people I've met throughout the years. 

I'm reminded of this Scripture:

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people." Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

I hope to encourage you on this Labor Day that what you do counts. Whether you clean homes for a living or take care of children or drive a bus or create art or build companies ...work at it with all your heart as unto the Lord. 

So let me ask you a question. How do you view your work on this Labor Day?

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Five Minute Friday: YES



It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with Kate Motaung. We are given a one word prompt and get to write for five minutes flat. Our word for today is YES.

GO

It was only several weeks ago that I wrote a post on Heart Choices on this very topic. The question posed was 'how is God calling you to say yes'. In case you missed it, you can read it here. At the time I was tired after working long hours. But the bottom line of what I wrote was the following:
I want to live so close to Jesus that I hear His voice and follow Him. I want to enter His rest even as I live and breathe and go about my life. Whether I am working as a preschool teacher or as a nurse or writing a book or being a good employee, friend or wife. I want to live resting in Him, trusting Him to provide for me.
It was a relief to realize I didn't need to do something to earn God's approval. I am already accepted by Him because of Jesus. But when I rest in Him, He begins to work through me. And that's when I need and want to say YES.

If I'm serious about saying YES to God, I need to say NO to many good things.

Two days ago, my husband asked me if I was ever going to finish my book. I'm a bit ashamed to admit I've been writing my book on and off for several years. I argued that I don't have the time. I need more than an hour here and there. And I work full time with little children with weekends to get caught up on laundry, grocery shopping, visiting, etc. When would I have time to finish my book?

Greg asked how he could help me so that I would have extra time. Uh oh, now I had no excuse. Because I believe completing this book might just help someone. And even if only one person benefits... that's OK.

As I learn to rest in Him, the Lord opens up my eyes. As I'm getting older, I hear of more people dying. Even friends and friends of friends. Most of my 86 year old dad's friends seem to be dying. And after being at the bedside of so many people when I worked as a cardiovascular nurse, I've learned so many life lessons. I even wrote them down in my journals.

So I'm saying YES. It may not be a best seller. I may not get rave reviews. But I will say YES.

STOP

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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