Do Your Work

Day 5: Do Your work.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
Galatians 6:4 (NLT)

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

Whatever turns up, grab it and do it.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (MSG)

My husband and I have worked together in ministry at our church for many years. For the first few years, we literally worked side by side by sharing the same office and on stage as musicians leading worship. This combination worked well and was pretty sweet most of the time. There were many benefits to our job arrangement including having the same daily work schedule, which was great for coordinating our family’s schedules.

However, as we worked together, we figured out very quickly that we have different–let’s say–work habits. For example, I am constantly in motion and highly social. Kevin is quiet and mostly introverted. As a worship leader, part of my job was to curate songs for our worship service. So, I listen to lots of music – most times with the speaker on blast.

In the office, Kevin likes to play original soundtracks to his favorite movies that help to keep his space quiet and promote his ability to focus on the task at hand. As you can imagine, we quickly decided that sharing an office was not an option for us.

About several years into working together at Eastlake Church, the organizational structure changed. This change moved us from a side by side, equal work relationship to one where he was my supervisor!

If you’re currently married, imagine for a moment your hubby being your boss (#TrickySituation). In addition to being partners in raising our kids, managing a household, and living life, the new structure meant that he now would be managing me. Thank God, Kevin is not a micro-manager!

We needed to learn to work together in this new arrangement. Eventually, after some “frank discussions,” and professional counseling, we figured out how to make this plan work well for us. In time, my responsibilities also shifted and I became the manager of staff.

My husband is a wise teacher and even wiser leader. I have so much respect for his leadership. As I worked in his previous role, I incorporated several of his strategies and procedures as my own. Therefore, instead of developing my own leadership style, I adapted to his methods to quickly win approval from my new team members.

This attempt did not work. I could never sustain trying to be someone I’m not. God has given me unique giftings that He wants me to use. I just need to discover what these gifts are. I love that the writer of Galatians says “…make careful exploration of who you are and the work you’ve been given.” (Galatians 6:5, MSG)

Dedication to self-awareness is knowing who you are and who you are not. We need to stay in a position of purpose and curiosity. Be tuned into you. (#DoYouBoo)

Embrace your power zone, “…then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done.” (Galatians 6:4, NLT)

Reflection
Artist Morgan Harper Daniels said, “There is no need to compare. Your journey was never meant to look like theirs.” Where are the situations and spaces you find yourself trying to be someone you’re not?

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for my unique gifts and abilities. I celebrate that I am wonderfully made and that you have given me gifts and talents – those discovered and those yet to be known.

I want to live for you. I’m sorry for the times I’ve tried to be someone I’m not and compared myself to others. Thank you for all you’re doing in my life. I receive your love and acceptance. Amen.