Working Through It

“Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks …”

This exhortation from 1 Timothy in today’s reading was of course Paul’s message to the missionary, encouraging him to use his gift in preaching with focus and zeal. But it strikes me in terms of whatever work one is engaged in. Sometimes when there’s so much going on in daily life, my attention being pulled in what seems like a thousand different directions and not really feeling like I’m accomplishing anything, it’s very hard to see the validity or opportunity to do good in a job which doesn’t immediately benefit anyone. However, it’s in the daily act of living, so much of which occurs in our work world, that we exist in community and have the chance to look after one another. I’m very fortunate to work in a collaborative environment with people who really care for each other – that is a rare commodity, I think, and one to remember when things are tough. I’m in the process of finishing my current job over the next few months, and it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae of what needs to be accomplished, and also to get down about that which is never going to get done. I’m preoccupied by checking off a never-ending to do list, and not really thinking about what will benefit the group at large. However, I have been given so much encouragement from my colleagues, and the benefit of their time and expertise. It reminds me that when I occasionally have to work a little longer than I might like, or spend a little more time figuring out someone else’s project, doing so graciously and with enthusiasm helps to perpetuate a good environment, one that ultimately helps each person and one that I have already benefitted from massively. And that giving actual attention to the work I’m doing in the moment – rather than thinking ahead to the next thing or where I’d rather be – is part of a mindful approach to life, one that fosters the best in what I have to give.