“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 labour, it is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Taking a break seems impossible when lifestyles demand constant action. As a result, joy can get lost somewhere between busyness and weariness. It’s difficult to push up a smile while trying to catch your breath. And how can we find joy when bombarded with endless things-to-do tasks?
Enjoy Your Work.
I would enjoy a bike ride and picnic at the beach every day. But reality says, “Most people have to work and I’m one of them.”
This has made me wonder, “Why do people seem to work just for the weekends—dreading Monday’s, dreaming about Fridays, waiting to clock out, get paid, and get away?” Why do we dread work and drag through the days between the weekends, vacations, birthdays and special events?
Becoming over-obligated and overwhelmed with work drains the life out of living. As far as I know, enjoying work isn’t a crime. In fact, Ecclesiastes clearly states that rejoicing in our labor is a gift from God. He doesn’t want us to be miserable forty plus hours a week. We can actually make our work fun and enjoy the “regular” days too.
Here are some simple ways I’ve found to make my work more enjoyable:
- Doing what I love or finding ways to love what I do.
- Creating a clean, comfy and cheery work environment.
- Taking breaks as often as I can.
- Breathing—deep and often.
- Making dreary tasks fun.
(Note for Workaholics: Don’t fight learning to slowdown. Nothing ruins a power nap like guilt.)
Enjoy Your Fun.
Hobbies can look like work and require time, money, training, practice, endurance, skill and sweat. However, Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines “Hobby” as, “…a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.” Fun should be fun. Getting stressed trying to de-stress is not relaxing. Turning pastimes into businesses has ruined some great hobbies.
Look at the examples God shows about work and downtime:
- Complete the job your given—Joy comes with accomplishment.
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.” Genesis 2:1 - Stand behind your work—Joy comes with knowing you did a good job.
“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…”Genesis 1:31 - Take a day of rest—Joy comes with getting to relax & rejuvenate.
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Genesis 2:2 - Enjoy the good of your work—Joy comes with the blessing of provision.
“And out the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food…” Genesis 2:9
If we learn to find the gift of joy in our labors, we might start feeling happier for a five day workweek than a two day weekend.
“There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.” Ecclesiastes 2:24
Bring It Home
What can you do today to bring more joy into your work?
Praying for you as we grow together,
From My Heart & Home,
Smiles, BRC
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