Joy in a Job Well Done

Today was a good day.  Productive, busy, and pleasant.  Why?  Because it was guilt-free. 

Due to the ongoing work on my house, I decided to go into the office, where I don’t hear hammers and saws or see those faces through my windows.  This was beneficial for a few reasons: 1) No recliner – I actually had to get up, get dressed and GO somewhere; 2) No distractions – there’s nothing to tempt me to not get that spreadsheet done; and 3) Muscle memory – my brain and body both kicked into a higher gear because they remember what it’s like to go into the office and really need to get some things done.

My office has been on a work-from-home status for almost two years due to the pandemic; going into the office has been mostly on a need-to basis.  Once COVID restrictions are lifted, most of our employees will be hybrid workers and will only go into the office a couple of days a week.  We discovered that we are just as productive working remotely.  So, I’ve been working from home for quite a while.

At home, I can sometimes be a little TOO relaxed.  Hair up in a messy bun, comfy lounge clothes, and that dreaded recliner.  Like a lump, I’ll stay in that recliner for up to 3 hours at a time. I’ll attend meetings on Microsoft Teams from that recliner.  I’ll eat breakfast and lunch in that recliner.  I’ll take power naps in that recliner.  I have a real love/hate relationship with that recliner. 

I have a home office above my detached garage.  It has a desk, monitor, printer and lots of privacy and space.  I like to work up there; I get a lot done. However, in November and December I stayed mostly in the recliner.  Lots of excuses – I didn’t want to go outside in the (insert any weather condition here) to the garage, I didn’t want to be away from the pretty Christmas lights, I didn’t want (insert any person here) to see me in my knit joggers and messy bun.  I felt like I was cheating, somehow.  I felt guilty for staying in the recliner.  I knew I wasn’t doing my best.

On an office day, I’m up and out of the door early.  Hair done, makeup on and I’m wearing normal clothing – no joggers or pajama pants to be seen.  I feel like a professional on office days – Super Admin who can conquer the toughest problems.  The emails are flying, the items are being checked off and I’m moving.  I walk from the car to the building, from the elevator to my desk, from my desk to the restroom, down the stairs to the shipping office, up the stairs to the lobby, from the coffee pot to my desk…you get it.  I feel accomplished. I don’t feel guilty.  I feel that joy that comes from a job well done.  Today was one of those days.

While trying to figure out why I felt so much better going to work today, God reminded me of three things that generated that joy in a job well done:

I work for Him, so I put forth my best effort. Regardless if you are in a ministry or if you sling burgers at the local McDonald’s, you should always strive to do your best because you work for God

22 Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord. 23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.

Colossians 3:22-24 (emphasis mine)

The peace and spoken word of Christ are in me and I did everything with a dependence on Him. I have these verses from Colossians 3 handwritten and framed on my desk at the office:

15 Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. 16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3: 15-17 (emphasis mine)

I was working out of faithfulness.  I love my boss and I want to do a good job for her.  I love my God and I want to do a good job for Him.  I want my boss and God to be able to trust me and give me bigger jobs.  When I’m lazy and unproductive in a recliner, there is no joy, because I only feel guilt and stress for not having done a good job.  In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents.  The servants that were faithful were rewarded:

²³ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’

Matthew 25:23 (Emphasis mine)

So, if you feel guilt-ridden over your work habits, take a look at your heart.  Are you working for God or are you just working for yourself?  Are you depending on Him to help you do your best? Is His word and peace the controlling factors of your heart?  Are you being faithful with what has been entrusted to you?  I guarantee you, if you adjust your heart, you will adjust your work habits.

  You will find joy in a job well done.