Clients, Cubicles, and the Kingdom - part two

Paul wrote to his friends in Philippi that he had learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. I believe that God has been teaching me that too, especially when it comes to my job. I found that complaining, thinking negative thoughts, and telling people everything I can’t stand about my boss was physically and emotionally wearing me out. That mentality kept me from communion with God. I don’t know if what I’ve learned will work for others, but it has revolutionized my contentment and fulfillment with everything work related.

One person I spoke with said she is most content when she can show others the beauty of God. For her it is a kind word of encouragement, or giving 15 minutes just to listen to an elderly person, or painting someone a picture, or singing them a song, or showing mercy to some who doesn’t deserve it. What brings you joy? And have you incorporated that into your work-life, or is it just an after work and weekend exercise?

Jesus led me into those questions and brought me to the realization that I can be doing any type of work regardless of how boring, exciting, or difficult it is - as long as I can be me. For me it is constantly listening and talking to God and being able to hear Him in all situations. I love hearing God outside the church! I love speaking his heart into a corporation! Those things bring me joy! As a recruiter, I don’t get out of bed every morning excited to give people who already have jobs a new job. I get excited because I see God at work. God talks to me and teaches there.

one story:
Just last month, he taught me about faith. In the beginning of August, during one of our weekly meetings at work, I heard the Lord say to me that in the month of September our operation would put 18 people to work. That is more that we have ever put to work since I’ve been there…by a lot. I then said this publicly to my boss and team. As September came, by September 19th we placed 4 people. I figured, oh well, I missed it. Then the next two days we put 7 more people to work! Hope flickered again in my heart, but I still seriously doubted. The next week, the last week of September, by Thursday we had put another 5 on assignment. That night I prayed out of my doubt that God would give us 2 fills (bringing us to 18) the next day (the last day of Sept.). He said, “Two companies will call you and give you two people. And stop doubting what I tell you. You do hear me.” The next day, one of the calls I answered was a client giving us a placement (17). No one else called. On Monday I spoke with my boss asking if anyone had called him over the weekend (he was out on Friday). He said no, but that he got a message on Friday from a client who wanted to hire one of our people. I just laughed.

These kinds of stories have happened frequently. I don’t think they are for any real significant reason other than God likes me and wants to be my friend.

…a little more still to come.

Clients, Cubicles, and the Kingdom -- part one

This is the first of a three-post series about Experiencing Jesus in the Workplace. The past 12 months have been exciting and deeply fulfilling as an administrative coordinator trapped in an office all day. How in the world is that possible? Especially for someone who can’t wait to move overseas and change the world :). The thought to author this blog is a result of multiple conversations with various people about the frustrations of working.

The biggest life change for me over the past couple years, apart from marriage, has been my work. Since I got my first real job at age 15, waiter at a ritzy retirement home, I have always been an unhappy, unsatisfied, unmotivated, uninterested employee. Even after my conversion three years later nothing had changed. My perspective then became, “I can’t wait till I do ministry full time so I don’t have to work anymore.” Then after I grew out of that phase it was, “I can’t wait till work is over (for the day) so I can think about things of real value (ministry stuff).” And finally, where I landed a year ago and currently stand is, “God, what are you doing here? Thank you that you are interested in my work.”

I recently conducted a study of how much time I spend at work, commuting, and praying for work, and found that it occupies 69% of my time each day (not including sleep). If I view work as a waste of time, or something to fund the other 31% of my time/energy, then it’s no wonder I was so miserable in the past! I truly believe that God wants me to be seeking His kingdom 100% of the time. So that what I’ve been trying to do and it has radically transformed my workplace experience.

More to come on how…