Day 29: Job

Thank you, God, for my job.

There are many directions I could take this, but I just want to say—I am really thankful for my job (emphasis on really). I am thankful for all the churches that have molded and shaped me on my journey. I am thankful for the gifts and graces that God has instilled in me to be a pastor.

But today, as I reflect, I am especially grateful for the flexibility.

Even though I’m talking about my job, remember that we all work. Those who are retired—many of you are busier now than when you were working. Life is work, whether you can name the job or not.

I understand that flexibility, at least in my line of work, is a double-edged sword. Theoretically, I get to set my own hours—yet my hours also have a way of setting themselves. For instance, after a busy week (like last week) or during heavy seasons like Advent and Holy Week, I can decide not to go into the office until 9:00. I can go to doctor’s appointments, attend my kids’ events, and allow myself some grace when things come up.

But then there are hospital calls, the loss of loved ones, and emergencies that pull me out of whatever I’m doing to go and serve in another way. That’s not a problem for me—I actually like that about my job. I also like that I’ve learned more about insurance, roofs, boilers, sound equipment, internet issues, and especially Robert’s Rules of Order than I ever thought I would. There are days I’ve scooped snow, spread salt, crawled around running cables, and mopped up water from a leak—all while wearing a suit. Some people might not be able to imagine it, but I love it.

One of my favorite examples of flexibility in ministry was leading a church through COVID. Everything changed, and for many churches, we had to figure out how to do church differently as quickly as possible. I thought it was fun. I’ve never claimed not to be crazy—even though I have been tested, and it came back negative.

I think the key to loving any job is finding your word—why you love the work you do. Mine is flexibility (or maybe chaos, if I’m being honest). Whether it’s chaos or flexibility, it intrigues me. Maybe you’re the opposite—maybe your words are steady and predictable because knowing what to expect allows you to thrive.

Sometimes, I think we’re too hard on ourselves and too hard on our jobs. But in the end, there’s something positive in every line of work—and something meaningful about being the one who gets to do the work.

What are your words for the work that you do? What words help you reflect on the joy you find in it?