The noted English architect Sir Christopher Wren was supervising the construction of a magnificent cathedral in London. A journalist thought it would be interesting to interview some of the workers, so he chose three and asked them this question, "What are you doing?" The first replied, "I'm cutting stone for 10 shillings a day." The next answered, "I'm putting in 10 hours a day on this job." But the third said, "I'm helping Sir Christopher Wren construct one of London's greatest cathedrals. Perspective makes a huge difference and will influence our attitude towards the work at hand.

I worked in education for 16 years - First as a teacher, then I moved into the administration department. Teaching children from all different backgrounds and family structures can present certain challenges at times. When I first started teaching, I remember having a student who was extremely uncooperative and disrespectful. I started dreading going to work every day because I knew the difficulties and frustrations I would experience, and honestly, I had already accepted the fact that this is how the rest of the school year would be.

However, one day during my personal Bible reading time I came across the passage of Scripture for today, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” This was my “Aha” moment and I realized that I was going about my job all wrong. My students deserved more from me than what I had been giving them. I had been focused on helping them meet the school year requirements and getting them ready for State testing, but there was so much more to my work than that. For a whole year, I had the opportunity to speak truth and love into their lives. I had the privilege of helping them learn, and meanwhile show them the love of Jesus. For some, that one year in my classroom may have been the only time someone was “as Jesus” to them. Since that moment, the love I had for my students grew. I started thinking creatively on how to teach the curriculum in an interactive and meaningful way that would encourage participation and cooperation from every student, even those that struggled at first. That school year will always hold a special place in my heart, and it has influenced the way I looked at any future work opportunities.

Are you in a place of discouragement in your workplace or ministry? How does God want to use you where you are? We cannot change other people, but we can change our perspective and attitude. Let’s choose to work whole-heartedly as to the Lord and leave the rest up to God.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the work you have given me. It is not always easy, and I have grown discouraged at times, but I pray that you would renew my attitude and perspective. Allow me to see how you are working and how I can be part of it. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

1. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV). 

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.