“I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“I can’t believe our vacation is over.” I sigh while watching John’s tired eyes.
They’re anxiously glued to the baggage carrousel at Midway Airport. He quickly spots our bright luggage tags and grabs our tattered bags like a super hero on the go.
If there’s anything that John hates worse than traffic, it’s traffic after a long trip. After ten years of marriage, I know how my husband thinks and we both have our ‘traveling operation’ down to a science.
John drags the large bag, while I automatically grab our carry-on. We swiftly turn towards the parking garage; John leads the way by ten paces.
As the wheels of our old suitcase squeal from being over-packed. The reality of the laundry I’ll be faced with in an hour looms over my head, killing my trip-buzz.
A measly fifteen minutes ago, I was basking in the memories John and I enjoyed during our sunny Christmas getaway. Now, all I could think about were those dreaded responsibilities that awaited me.
Spotting the open elevator door, we quickly slide in.
“If only we could be on vacation forever.” Escaping reality for just a few more days would be the ideal scenario for me.
“I had a great time. But, I’m ready to get back to work again.”
“Really?” I’m perplexed. John loves getaways more than anyone I know.
“Yeah, vacations inspire me to work harder so that I can take us to even more exotic places the next time.”
How can a girl argue with a husband that thinks like that?
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 reminds us that work itself is a gift from God. Most people often fail to think of their job as a blessing. Many only bother to appreciate the fruits of their labor; thinking that that is the only thing worthy of excitement.
What a sad waste of a life! Think about it–most people spend more time at work than they do on vacation.
If we simply shift our mind-set to appreciate the benefits of not only collecting a paycheck, but also having the opportunity to use our talents and being part of something larger than ourselves, we then open our minds to enjoying even the ‘tedious’ parts of life that we have previously written-off.
Do you want to love life more? Look around you and start noticing the ‘blessings’ that are right under your nose.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
There are many things that I have not stopped and thanked you for. My work may not be ‘ideal’ but it is something.
If this I am not doing what I should be doing, maybe I should stop complaining about my lack of satisfaction and start searching for the job you created me for.
But, while I am working in this current profession, help me to see my work with new eyes of appreciation. Open my vision to see things that I haven’t seen before. Show me the people that have been a blessing at work and help me to see those that I can be a blessing to.
If I want to enjoy my job more, I must purposely set my mind to be grateful and positive. Today I have decided that I will no longer complain. Please help me to stick to that commitment.
In Jesus precious name, I don’t want to waste this precious life you have given me. Move me towards greater things if that is where I’m supposed to be. If I am right where I need to be then give me the mind-set to enjoy where I am at today. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan