Joy in Work

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an animal? If you could be an animal, what would you be? I often think of two possibilities: a squirrel or an otter. Squirrels are cool because they seem so carefree. It must be fun to have their quick moves and climbing skills. They seem to have one purpose: Find food. What they don't eat in the present, they store for the future. Squirrels don't appear to complain about their purpose or labors; they just do it with all their energy.

Otters are similar. It seems that God wired them to have fun. They play tag, slide, swim, play impromptu games, belly flop into the water, roll, play tug-of-war, tumble, chase each other, and generally have a great time. Even the task of providing food for themselves is a game.

God didn't make us animals. He made us humans, created in His own image. But I wonder if animals like squirrels and otters were created to help us think about living life more joyfully than we are prone to do. What would it be like if we had a different attitude toward our tasks and responsibilities? What if our purpose in life aligned with Colossians 3:23? "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." One translation says, "Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul) as something done for the Lord and not for man."

God bless you as you do all things for Him and not for man. Like a squirrel with a clear purpose or an otter having fun, may we honor God through our attitudes.