The Joy of a Job Well Done

Rummaging through old files is something no one likes to do unless they really need something. In the process other items of interest are found. The following is from deep in one of my files found by accident.

“Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah’s Ark.”

        1.  Don’t miss the boat.

        2.  Remember we are all in the same boat.

        3.  Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah started building the ark.

        4.  Stay fit. When you are 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something big.     

        5.  Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job to be done,

        6.  Build your future on high ground.

        7.  For safety sake, travel in pairs.

        8.  Speed isn’t always an advantage. Snails were on board with the cheetahs.

        9.  When stressed, float a while.

       10.  Remember the ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals.

Basics, every thought in that is basic to being productive. They add substance to Colossians 3: 23, the theme text of my life, “…whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” If you do a good job as to the Lord and He approves even if people complain you don’t get depressed. You didn’t do it for them, you did it for Him.

Suppose you do a job with your whole heart as to the Lord and He approves. While people brag on you, compliment you, pat you on the back, and add a few “adda-boys” you don’t go on an ego trip, you didn’t do it for them, you did it for Him.

If you are going to do something, anything, do it enthusiastically. Put your whole heart into it. The Seven Dwarfs got the message and it showed as they whistled and sang, “Just whistle while you work. And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place. So hum a merry tune, it won’t take long when there’s a song to help you set the pace.”

OK, OK you don’t have to whistle and sing, but it helps to have the spirit expressed by the thought. Remember, “A merry heart does good like a medicine.”

Finishing a task is a fulfilling experience. Remember, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” Good advice, you might enjoy it so much today you will want to do it again tomorrow.

The Apostle Paul wrote to friends who had worked diligently when he was with them. Leaving them he said, “Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence” (Philippians 2: 12). In summary, don’t just be people pleasers.

Get out there now and heartedly do whatever it is you have to do.