Much is written these days about how you can find purpose and meaning in your work. Everyone seems to be taking all kinds of personality and strengths tests to find their unique calling because “If you discover how you are shaped you can unlock your dream job, so you’ll never have to work another day in your life!”…or so the logic goes.
The problem is most of us still feel like we are “working,” so that must mean our current job is not our dream job.
I appreciate much of those writings on personalities, strengths, and purpose but with one caveat…I don’t think you find meaning or purpose at your work, I think you bring meaning and purpose to your work.
In all of this quest to find the dream job that (magically) creates purpose and meaning, I believe we’ve forgotten a very fundamental truth about our work.
Our job is God’s primary way of providing for our needs.
Not only does it provide for your needs it even helps to provide for those who aren’t capable of working through your generous giving. (You do give actual money to help the poor somewhere don’t you?)
For many of you, THE reason you drag yourself out of bed everyday is because of the sweet face of your child or your spouse. Never forget there is great honor in that simple task, even if the work you do doesn’t feel like a dream job.
When people talk about finding meaning in their work I think they forget about the very base level of providing for our families. There is honor in providing a home, clothes, and food. Most of us have so much more than that.
Have you ever stopped and thanked God for your company?
Have you ever thanked God for your job? We like to complain about it, but if you take an honest look around…it has provided some great things for your family…a home, a couple of cars, furniture, clothes, food in the fridge, braces, healthcare, some great vacations, etc. In fact, everything you have is because of the company you work for. (Let that sink in a moment.)
Have you ever said thank you to your company or boss for the opportunity to provide for your family?
You’re not entitled to it. You want to shake some things up at work? Write your boss or the CEO of your company a thank you note for giving you a place where you can work to provide for your family. Who knows what might happen?!? You might even get a promotion because they’ve never received a letter like that.
I’ve spoken with enough people over the years who were out of work and would give anything to have a job doing anything…just so they could provide for their family. The moment you lose your job you’ll remember this forgotten purpose found in work…it’s the primary way of God providing for your family.
Your family is lucky to have someone like you with such honor! Hold your head up high and stop being so hard on yourself!
