Oh It's Monday...Dread

So it's that day where most of the working public begin their routine again...the routine which gives them the title of "working public." As they rise and begin their routine, many with some form of caffeine to give them alertness and endurance, there is a grumbling about them as well. Either it is the exhaustion from awakening early; the drudgery of the commute; the anticipation of negativity with the labor; pre-established frustration with coworkers to face once more; or maybe it is even the vexation with self for the current career path. In fact, according to the NY Daily News’ recent publishing of a Gallup poll survey, there are less than 30% of Americans happy in their job. The other 70% are reportedly disengaged – even if there are substantial perks or benefits involved.

As a history teacher I find that often certain social behavior evolves over generations. I also find the unspoken rationale in the changing of behavior is the slow, almost unseen, downfall of the role model. One hundred years ago, there was no television to visually watch role models influence your children. It was you, your family, and your neighbors setting a standard. One hundred years ago, you didn’t dare quit your job or change careers in the midst of your life. There were two reasons for this behavior. One was fear of loss of income. The other was a sense of commitment. You were committed to the job that has been given to you AND you were committed to your family to provide for them.

Now, did everyone like their job 100 years ago? Absolutely not! This was at the time where the automobile industry was just beginning it’s assembly line process and there were no robotic arms to create easier approaches to the process. This was when electricity was just becoming more frequented in homes and businesses; therefore, the midnight shift was being introduced and people were being hired to work all night to increase production. This was when there was little to no restriction on the minimum wage, days off, insurance, retirement, etc. It didn’t exist. So you worked knowing that you must.

Today, we are blessed and cursed with government involvement in the capitalistic society we have so desperately tried to build. Because of the government, we have a minimum wage, and do not have to work more than we sign on to work. Meaning, if you know going into the job that you could be working 7 days a week, you are forewarned. Because of the government, there is social security for those who neglect to put away for retirement or that moment when you may no longer be able to provide for yourself. Because of the government, there are no longer small children getting stuck in looms in factories. Because of the government, there are no longer foods placed on the shelves with small chunks of rat mixed in that fell into the grinder during processing. However, because of the government, there are many flaws as well. There are too many to include in today’s post. TOO MANY. Another day, another post.

Am I opposed to the blessings of certain restrictions placed on businesses so that they do not abuse employees? Gracious no! Am I opposed to the freedom to change jobs because of new opportunities or new challenges that you wish to provide for yourself? Nope! But be careful…it seems questionable on that ‘ole resume if you job hop a lot. Am I questioning people’s commitment level to their work as many admit disengagement and discontent? Sorta, but I can be included in this from time to time. One thing of which I know the government, or any employer, has no control is how I choose to approach my work.

You see, though your present assignment as a stay-at-home mom, or corporate executive, or air traffic controller, or oral surgeon, it is your present assignment. Chew on that for a minute.

God has allowed you the blessing of being among the employed, first of all. God has allowed you access to finances that will probably supply all your NEEDS. God has given you something to do that can go on your resume as continual commitment to a task as well as the experience you are gaining from this commitment. God has BLESSED YOU. Therefore, realize that in your present assignment, as inglorious as it may seem to you, you can bless others and you can glorify God in the midst of your pleasant or unpleasant circumstances. Your demeanor is impacting on so many people every day. Your joy, or lack thereof, can easily influence a coworker in need of joy or peace or assurance or just a laugh. Your choice to grumble affects your family, and don’t blame the coffee (that is something that you choose to rely upon too).

As Monday brings light to a new day and I begin the grind that is considered laborious, I have a personal choice to make concerning my present assignment. Do I accept it? Not just the “job” assigned to me by my employer, the job assigned to me by my Creator, to bring honor to Him all that I do. There are people counting on me to bring Christ to them today. Though I may not pass out tracks and preach the Word in my words all day, I preach it with my life. Are you going to point people to Him today or confirm to them that you do not have hope in the Lord and you, “Christian,” are no different than anyone else? You do not know the weekend your coworker had or the attendant at the gas station had. You do know you have this chance to bring them joy with just a simple smile, a good laugh, or a cup of coffee. Be blessed!

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58