Who sees?
by Sal Huckel
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‘Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters’ (Colossians 3:23).
In everyday life we benefit from so much work that goes on behind the scenes or is hidden in plain sight. We sit down to a clean table in a food hall. We can be sure that our supermarket’s shelves are being restocked while we sleep. Sometimes we are able to thank and bless the people who do these things for us, but most of the time their jobs are thankless and their work is hidden.
During these times of isolation and disruption, perhaps the tables have been turned. The cleaners and the shelf-stockers staff are in full view – and valued differently. At the same time, some people who are normally at the forefront have been forced to work from home – still doing their job but having no idea whatsoever whether their work is being received favourably or even if anyone is watching or listening. Some of us might be teachers preparing lessons for absent students, or members of children’s ministry teams sending out lessons, or pastors providing services online and, for some, in the printed word.
For some of us, even in ‘normal times’ the phone call might not be returned. The letter and gift go unacknowledged. The hoped-for job application is neither accepted nor rejected.
Be encouraged. We have an audience of One, a God who sees all. Sometimes we may feel that no-one is noticing, appreciating or listening. Other times the Lord gives us an insight into the effects our efforts are having. We pursue our daily work and follow his leading with a heart of generosity and blessing anyway. We are working for the Lord.
We can also ask him to open our eyes to acknowledging the work of others, which we might otherwise overlook.
Lord, help us to give our whole effort to work that is seen, and unseen. Help us to be aware that it is you we are serving, as we do our work, as we read the email, clean the table, organise our task list. Open our eyes to the work we sometimes miss, and inspire us to encourage and thank others for their efforts. We pray you will show us with grace where we fall short. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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